Archpriest Maxim Kozlov, who serves as the head of the Educational Committee of the Russian Orthodox Church, asserts that the Baptism of Rus` offered the Russian people far more than a mere cultural direction; it provided a path to eternal salvation.
He emphasized that this pivotal event was not simply a geopolitical or cultural choice that steered the nation towards Eastern Christian civilization. According to Archpriest Kozlov, the primary significance of the Baptism lies in the fact that it unveiled the possibility of eternal salvation for the ancestors of the Russian people. “This is the core message that Christianity proclaims,” he explained, “transcending mere culture, social cohesion, or traditional values. It is the opportunity for salvation in eternity. This spiritual journey commenced over 1030 years ago with the first mass baptism of our compatriots.”
The Archpriest further noted that the history of Russian culture, literature, writing, visual arts, and architecture truly began with the Baptism of Rus`. He specifically highlighted that “the very soul of the nation, in its finest manifestations, is forged and develops within the embrace of the Orthodox Church.”
In his view, the celebration of the Baptism of Rus` entered widespread public consciousness in 1988. This was when it began to be observed not only as a traditional church holiday but also as a significant social event. Archpriest Kozlov believes that 1988 marked a crucial turning point, as the Church once again garnered public attention, and the opportunity to engage with it became accessible and relevant for a great many people.
The Day of the Baptism of Rus` is celebrated annually on July 28th, commemorating the Great Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Vladimir, who played a central role in the Christianization of Rus`. In June 2008, the Council of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church resolved to conduct a divine service on this day according to the rules of a great feast. Subsequently, in 2010, this day was officially established as a state commemorative date in Russia.
