What was the significance of the adoption of Christianity for Russia?

The adoption of Christianity was not only an important cultural, but also a political step. First, Christianity brought the Old Russian state closer to its southern neighbor – Byzantium. This rapprochement made it possible to develop trade and political ties; numerous priests and cultural figures began to arrive from Byzantium to the Russian lands, who helped to develop culture in Russia. Secondly, the adoption of Christianity put the Old Russian state on the same level with its European neighbors, who began to perceive it as an equal, which undoubtedly increased the authority of Russia.