Lately our most formidable enemies, they have now become our most faithful friends.

We have recently sent them a bishop and a priest, and they testify the greatest zeal for Christianity." It was in this way, it seems, that the religion of our Saviour first entered barbaric Russia.

The gospel, thus welcomed, soon became firmly established at Kief, and rapidly extended its conquests in all directions.

The two Russian kingdoms, that of Rurik in the north, and that of Ascolod and Dir on the Dnieper, rapidly extended as these enterprising kings, by arms, subjected adjacent nations to their sway.
Rurik remained upon the throne fifteen years, and then died, surrendering his crown to his son Igor, still a child.

A relative, Oleg, was intrusted with the regency, during the minority of the boy king.