In a short time the nations that became Christian were totally transformed. The influence of Christianity soon made itself felt and brought these people into the family of Christian nations. Saints Cyril and Methodius, together with their disciples, enlightened some of the Slavic people with the teaching of Christianity. It is hard to say what would have become of Eastern Europe had not Saints Cyril and Methodius illuminated the Slavs with the light of Christ and laid the foundation for the enlightenment of the Slavic peoples. While worshipping the terrible Perun, the Slavs engaged in cruel wars, exterminating their neighbors.

The Slavs served the gods they themselves had thought up, thus confirming within them-selves their own frailties and justifying them by their gods’ characteristics.

The pagan gods whom they worshipped possessed all the traits of their worshippers, and were an epitome of both their good and bad qualities. What lofty ideals could there be among the Slavs? To what could their feelings and thoughts be directed? What could inspire them and to what could they aspire? Thus the world of Slavs stood at the crossroads of good and evil, at times exhibiting the wonderful qualities of men created in the image of God, at other times exhibiting the terrible signs of beasts in human form. Woe unto them against whom was directed his fury, for he did not spare anyone! Even Byzantium trembled before its northern neighbors, while they themselves often feared each other. At times, especially in the course of battle, they became fearsome to those around them. But at the same time they were capable of perfidy, cruelty and craftiness. The Slavs honored their elders and heeded their advice in matters both private and public. Wives were loyal mates to their husbands, often remaining faithful to those who died. They were hospitable, courageous and honest. On the contrary, there were many good qualities in their nature. However, it would be wrong to think that the Slavs possessed only negative traits and were entirely a semi-barbaric crowd. Military campaigns and booty attracted them more than concern for their citizens. Russian princes before Vladimir were conquering leaders rather than fathers and benefactors of their people. Individual clans often fought each other, brought revenge upon each other, and frequently engaged in mutual self-destruction, following the laws of bloody vengeance. Here is Russia in the time of “old Igor” or of Svyatoslav, Vladimir’s father. Vladimir in baptizing Russia be expressed by us who have attained the millennium of this glorious event? Let us remember what Russia was like before Vladimir and what it became after being baptized by him. With what words and colors can the work done by St. Vladimir’s work, and summoned all Russia to glorify him in a worthy manner. Even at that time the saint already saw with his penetrating gaze the greatness of St. Hilarion, Metropolitan of Kiev, in mid-11th century, when only slightly more than half-a-century had passed from the baptism of Russia. Let us, too, make at least a small effort to glorify the one who did such great and wondrous things, our teacher and mentor, the great prince of our land – Vladimir, the grandson of old Igor.” “With laudatory voices the Roman country glorifies Peter and Paul, through whom it came to believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God Asia, Ephesus, Patmos glorify John the Theologian India glorifies Thomas Egypt glorifies Mark all countries, and cities, and peoples honor and glorify each its own teacher who had brought them to the Orthodox faith.

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