Vladimir Equal-to-the-Apostles and the Baptism of Rus'. The Oldest Written Sources.

Abstract

The study of life and religious activity of Vladimir the Baptizer of Rus' (Vladimir the Saint) is based on the examination of the oldest written sources devoted to him. It is based on the textual and literary criticism of the chronicles, different versions of the Vita of Vladimir the Saint and eulogies. The most important texts are published. The contemporary Byzantine, Armenian and Latin sources as well as material subjects (coins) are used to make it possible for the reader to realize and analyze himself the complicated panorama of dramatic reign of Vladimir.