Christianization First_Bulgarian_Empire

by 863 presian s successor khan boris i had decided accept christianity. sources not mention reasons behind decision there several political rationales had considered. christianity spreading further europe in 9th century pagan countries found encircled christian powers use religion acceptable excuse aggression. conversion on other hand establish country equal international partner. there evidence bulgaria did have contacts muslim world well – either directly or through volga bulgaria had adopted islam @ same time – but country far away muslim country of political benefit, , large part of population had been christian. furthermore, christian doctrine cement monarch s position high above nobility autocrat, being ruler grace of god , god s representative on earth. moreover, christianity presented excellent opportunity firmly consolidate both bulgars , slavs in single bulgarian people under common religion.

baptism of boris , court, painting nikolai pavlovich

in 863 boris i sought mission east francia rather byzantine empire. had alliance eastern franks since 860 , aware larger distance between 2 countries obstacle them yield direct influence on future bulgarian church. aware neighbour byzantium try interfere bulgarian matters. indeed, byzantine empire determined place bulgarian church under jurisdiction of ecumenical patriarchate of constantinople because hoped serve leverage influence bulgarian policies, , furthermore not allow bulgaria become military tool of papacy potentially employed pope enforce wishes on empire. upon learning boris i s intentions byzantine emperor michael iii invaded bulgaria. @ time bulgarian army engaged in warfare against great moravia north-east , boris i agreed negotiate. byzantines demand boris i adopt christianity constantinople , accept byzantine clergy evangelise population. boris conceded , baptised in 864 taking name of godfather, emperor michael.

the highest posts in newly established bulgarian church held byzantines preached in greek language. aware of dangers spiritual dependency on byzantine empire pose bulgaria s independence, boris i determined ensure autonomy of bulgarian church under patriarch. since byzantines reluctant grant concessions boris took advantage on ongoing rivalry between patriarchate of constantinople , papacy in rome in order prevent either of them exerting influence in lands through religion. in 866 sent delegation rome under high-ranking official peter declaring desire accept christianity in accordance western rites along 115 questions pope nicholas i. pope s detailed answers boris i s questions delivered 2 bishops heading mission facilitate conversion of bulgarian people. however, neither nicolas i nor successor adrian ii agreed recognize autonomous bulgarian church, cooled relations between 2 sides. bulgaria s shift towards rome on other hand, made byzantines more conciliatory. in 870, @ fourth council of constantinople, bulgarian church recognized autocephalous eastern orthodox church under supreme direction of patriarch of constantinople.

the adoption of christianity met opposition large layers of nobility. in 866 boris i faced major rebellion of boila parts of country. insurgency crushed , 52 leading boilas executed along whole kin. after boris i abdicated in 889 successor , eldest son vladimir (r. 889–893) attempted restore paganism father took arms against him , had him deposed , blinded.