Please assess the role of the Patriarch of Constantinople in the spread of Orthodoxy to other peoples.

The Patriarch of Constantinople played an important role in the spread of the Orthodox religion. He not only led all religious organizations in the Byzantine Empire, but also sought to expand the circle of influence on other peoples. Over time, Byzantium became an Orthodox center, and Rome – a Catholic one. The Patriarch of Constantinople introduced religion in neighboring states in a peaceful and non-peaceful way. Russia, for example, voluntarily adopted this monotheistic religion. In some regions, the transition was not so smooth.