Christianity has a long history in Russia: The Introduction of the Faith
Christianity has been present in Russia since the early 10th century, with Russian scholars and historians recognizing Christianity’s formation in the lands that later united to form the Russian Empire in the middle of the2nd century. According to Cyprian, the first bishop of the Russian Church of Constantinople, Christianity was brought to the country by Saint Andrew, who was believed to have travelled to the city of Kerch along the coasts of the kingdom of Kiev.
The introduction of Christianity to the country was not without controversy. Though some embraced the faith, others resisted and fought fiercely against it, referring to it as “the second Sennacherib”—the biblical king who had attacked Jerusalem. This opposition, however, was eventually overcome when Christianity became the official religion of the Russian Empire at the Council of 1549–1551.
Eventually, through persistent efforts of missionaries, Christianity began to spread throughout the country. Though a majority of the population remained pagan, there were small pockets of Christianity that were slowly growing in size. These pockets were centred around the major cities of the country—Moscow, Kiev, Novgorod and others—as missionaries established monasteries, churches and other places of worship for people to gather and learn about the faith.
Today, Christianity is still the predominant religion in Russia with more than 80% of the population claiming to be Christians. The main denomination of the faith is Eastern Orthodoxy, with over 20% of the population identifying as followers of the Church. Other denominations such as Roman Catholics and Protestants make up a small portion of the population.
The Use of the Tsar’s Influence
The spread of Christianity did not just occur through missionary efforts. In fact, the Tsars of the country had a major role to play in propagating the faith. Through their rule, they sought to bring unity to a country that was endlessly divided by tribal and regional differences. As such, they saw the use of Christianity as a way of providing structure and order throughout the Russian Empire, which was then in the process of expanding.
Tsars, like Ivan the Terrible, went as far as introducing laws that showered privileges and subsidies onto those who converted to Christianity. They also sought to expel or ban any other religion within the country, such as Judaism, which was seen as a threat to the spread of Christianity. This, along with the support of the Church, made Christianity pervasive throughout the country.
However, there were also political and economic reasons for the tsars to push for Christianity. One of the main reasons was the desire to have a unified and unified culture, which was becoming increasingly difficult to achieve in a land that was very diverse in its population. The introduction of religion was believed to be the best way to unite the population, given its pervasive influence throughout the country.
The Contribution of Missionaries
Of course, it was not only the tsars who played a role in the spread of Christianity. Missionaries—consisting of monks, priests and lay people— played a critical role in the conversion of people to Christianity. Some of these missionaries were from the East, hailing from Greece, Turkey, Syria and Armenia and introducing Eastern Orthodoxy to the country.
Their work had a profound impact on the spread of Christianity, as they introduced the faith to the various tribes and regions of what is now modern-day Russia. Their efforts were particularly effective in the harsher lands of the north and east, where the introduction of Christianity could bring a new way of life to the people.
Missionaries also played a role in introducing new texts and literature to the country. Through translations and writings, they explained the faith and its importance to people, as well as bringing in new ideas and philosophies that had previously been unknown to them.
At the same time, missionaries also sought to convert the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, who had a massive influence on the then-fledgling Russian Church. They played an important role in creating the structures and hierarchy of the Church, as well as introducing religious ceremonies to it.
The Legacy of Christianity in Russia
Today, the legacy of these efforts is still present in the country with Christianity playing an important role in many aspects of life. For example, Russian Orthodoxy has traditionally been a symbol of national identity, with Tsar Nicholas II proclaiming Orthodoxy as the main religion of the country in 1895.
At the same time, there is also a greater awareness and understanding of Christianity in the country, with many people engaging in the practice of their faith. This could be seen in the large numbers of people who attend church services and participate in religious ceremonies throughout the year. This reflects the fact that, although the spread of Christianity was not seamless, it still managed to gain widespread acceptance and adherence over the centuries.
Challenges Faced by Christians in Russia
Despite its prevalence, Christianity in Russia still faces many challenges, particularly in the face of a growing secularism throughout the country. This has seen many people turning away from the faith and its teachings, despite their historical importance to the country.
Another challenge faced by Christianity in Russia is that of the wider geopolitical context. With Russia’s involvement in various issues—both at home and abroad—many people have questioned the role of the Church in these matters. Also, with the entry into different international bodies, a need has arisen to reconcile different faiths, which can cause tensions between different religious groups.
Overall, the spread of Christianity in Russia has been a long and arduous process. It has been both supported and challenged by various forces, both from within the country and from outside of it. Despite this, the faith’s legacy is still very much alive in the country, with many people still adhering to its teachings and practices.
The Effect of Communism on Christianity in Russia
After the October Revolution of 1917, the Bolshevik government put in place a policy of anti-religious legislation, having seen religion as a major obstacle to the spread of communism and its beliefs. This led to large scale persecution of those involved in Christianity and the Church, with many people being displaced, arrested, or even killed due to their faith.
At the same time, government figures like Lenin and Stalin sought to rid the country of what they deemed as “true” Christianity by imposing heavy restrictions on any religious activity or practice, with the aim of removing any symbols or symbols of faith in public spaces.
These efforts, however, were not completely successful. Despite the difficulties, many people still held onto their faith and even managed to continue practicing it in secret. This actually helped to deepen their faith and sustain the practice of Christianity in Russia throughout the period of Communism.
The Re-emergence of Christianity After Communism
With the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and the introduction of democracy, religious freedom was once again restored to Russia. This saw the emergence of Christianity from the underground and its subsequent celebration. This was helped by the efforts of the government and other organizations, such as the Moscow Patriarchate, in restoring churches and other religious sites in the country.
At the same time, many of the restrictions imposed by the Soviet Union on religious practice and activities were removed, allowing people to freely and openly practice their faith. This also helped to spread the teachings of Christianity, which were seen to be more accessible to a wider audience.
The revival of Christianity in Russia has also seen a shift in the attitude towards the faith. Whereas before it was seen as foreign or hostile by some, now it is seen in a much more positive light and has become more intertwined in the culture and identity of the country.
The Growth of Religion in the Modern Day
Today, Christianity still plays a significant role in Russia, with the country now having one of the highest percentages of Christians in Europe. This is largely due to the efforts of missionaries and the Church in introducing and spreading the faith throughout the country. Despite the challenges of a growing secularism, the faith is still widely accepted and prevalent in all parts of Russia.
At the same time, the faith has also gone through a period of reform and renewal, with the introduction of new texts, literature and practices. This gives Christianity a more modern and relevant edge for many people, allowing them to practice the faith with a sense of belonging and understanding.
All these factors have been crucial in the spread of Christianity in Russia, which still plays a major role in the country’s identity and culture. It is a testament to the country’s long and turbulent history, and the resilience of the people in overcoming its challenges.
