Vladimir I Sviatoslavich of Kiev (956–1015), known as "the Great" or "the Saint," is primarily remembered for the "Baptism of Rus'" (988), which later led to his canonization as a saint. The son of Grand Prince Sviatoslav I of Kiev, Vladimir became Grand Prince of Novgorod in 970, sharing power with his half-brother Yaropolk, who had been appointed Grand Prince of Kiev.  

After their father’s death in 972, the brothers clashed in a struggle for power. In 977, Vladimir was forced to flee to Norway when Yaropolk took control of Novgorod. However, in 979, he gathered an army and returned to Rus', reclaiming Novgorod and ultimately defeating his half-brother in 980 after seizing Kiev. From that point, he became Vladimir I of Kiev and pursued an aggressive expansionist policy, extending his rule over Mongol and Rus' territories, even reaching the Byzantine Empire. In 988, he secured a marriage alliance with Anna, the daughter of Emperor Basil II.  

Despite ruling over a prosperous realm, Vladimir remained a pagan, worshipping over 120 deities of the Slavic pantheon. However, upon marrying a Christian woman, he realized that his kingdom remained on the fringes of the powerful Christian Europe. In 987, he sought the advice of his nobles on whether he should convert and, if so, to which religion. He sent envoys to study various faiths for a year, and after carefully considering them, he chose Byzantine Christianity in 988.  

Vladimir organized three mass baptisms: one in Cherson before marrying Anna, one in Kiev in the waters of the Dnieper River for the general population, and one in his royal residence in Vasiliev for his **družina** (his personal Varangian guard). According to tradition, when asked why he chose Christianity over other religions, Vladimir humorously replied: "We are Russians; alcohol is our only pleasure!"  

Beyond mere earthly pleasures, the true reason behind his decision was political and economic. By embracing Christianity, Rus' integrated into European trade networks and diplomatic alliances, further strengthening its already flourishing wealth and influence.