Support for the Orthodox Church Mstislav Princes
Journal: Izvestia of Smolensk State University
Year: 2025

The baptism of Rus by Vladimir in 988 marked the beginning of the official spread of Christianity in the east Slavic expanses, which was actively promoted by the princely authorities. Smolensk and its volost were baptized in 1013, and the Smolensk diocese was organized by prince Rostislav Mstislavich in 1136. Mstislavl is part of the Smolensk principality of the 12th – mid-14th centuries, was also under the omophorion of the Smolensk diocese, and the Smolensk princes built churches and the St. N