The sacred statue of Peroune, the most illustrious of the pagan Gods, was dragged ignominiously through the streets, pelted with mud and scourged with whips, until at last, battered and defaced, it was dragged to the top of a precipice and tumbled headlong into the river, amidst the derision and hootings of the multitude.
Our zealous new convert now issued a decree to all the people of Russia, rich and poor, lords and slaves, to repair to the river in the vicinity of Kief to be baptized.

At an appointed day the people assembled by thousands on the banks of the Dnieper.

Vlademer at length appeared, accompanied by a great number of Greek priests.

The signal being given, the whole multitude, men, women and children, waded slowly into the stream.

Some boldly advanced out up to their necks in the water; others, more timid, ventured only waist deep.