“Paralipomenon” by Joannes Zonaras and the First Baptism of Rus

There are different opinions about when and under which circumstances the baptism of Rus took place. Opinions were differing already in sixteenth century, a version extracted from Chronicle by Joannes Zonaras has been added to assumptions that existed on this point. According Zonaras’ version, during reign Emperor Vasily Macedonian bishop sent order convert pagans. The pagans started express doubts Christian faith, bishop, at their request, had throw Gospel into fire. book miraculously remained unharmed, barbarians adopted Christianity. This story penetrated Moscow literary corpus through two channels — with selection Chronicle’s Serbian translation, being called “Paralipomenon”, translation excerpts made Maxim Greek. learned abba suggested start history Russian Christianity Gospel’s Miracle, not capture Korsun, event Greek sources say nothing. shocking proposal was accepted. Still, Miracle entered series incidents, considered constitute long baptism. episode regularly reproduced first Muscovy historical compilations, then West anti-Catholic polemical writings. multi-steps (up six stages) Christianization, stretched for centuries overwhelmed legends troubles mind historians who operate categories modernism. From point view stretching kind is identical devaluation sacrament. On contrary, Middle Ages situation perceived as sign inexhaustible mercy side Providence toward beloved nation.