Page:Conversion of St Vladimir.pdf/22

 Having investigated all the different religions and practices in all the adjacent countries, and having rejected them as unsuitable to their needs, the envoys arrived at Constantinople, seat of the Eastern Catholic See. They were expected, and the stage was set for their reception. Basil II, Roman Emperor of the East and head of the Orthodox Church, displayed for their benefit such magnificence and splendor as their eyes never beheld. Great religious ceremonials, with pomp and ostentatious pageants and processions, feasts and revels were prepared for them. Nothing was left undone to impress them with the grandeur and virtue of their religion.

They returned, a little worse for wear after their debauch but well agreed that this was the only creed for their ruler to adopt—both for himself and his subjects. As they pictured to Vladimir the pomp and display, the glory and splendor, he was much impressed. But when they reported that the Emperor offered to give him his kind and beautiful sister Anna for wife, as proof of his confidence he was quickly decided. Just about this time Vladimir was engaged in his usual occupation of plunder and was sacking the City of Kherson in the Crimea. He at once sent delegates to Basil with his acceptance, requesting that the ceremonies be performed at Kherson. The Emperor dispatched his sister, accompanied by many magnificently robed dignitaries of the Church, to the Crimean city, where the nuptial rites were performed with all the pomp and grandeur befitting such an important occasion, but preceded by the ceremony of conversion and baptism of Tsar Valdimir (988 A. D.).

From here the triumphant procession wended its way to Kiev, where the announcement of the Tsar’s conversion preceded it. The priests at once proceeded with a mass