Russian Orthodox Church

Timeline

1. 988–1300Kiev · RusAfter Grand Prince Vladimir's baptism in 988, Kiev became the center of Orthodoxy in Rus. The church adopted Byzantine liturgy and Church Slavonic, established dioceses, monasteries, and a system of canon law, and icons and architectural art spread deep into Rus society along with Christianity.
2. 1240–1370Moscow · Grand Principality of MoscowAfter the Mongol invasion Kiev declined, and the metropolitan see moved successively to Vladimir and Moscow. The Grand Principality of Moscow used the church's blessing to strengthen the "Third Rome" idea; the Trinity Monastery founded by Sergius of Radonezh (1337) became a spiritual center, and the alliance between church and secular power deepened.
3. 1371–1380Moscow · RusMetropolitan Alexius (1354–1378) allied with the Grand Principality of Moscow, provided church blessing to Dmitry Donskoy, and helped secure the metropolitan see at Moscow. The church oversaw monastery expansion, icon production, and liturgical rites, maintaining Rus religious and cultural identity under the pressure of Tatar tribute.
4. 1378–1380Moscow and Kiev · RusAfter Alexius's death, Cyprian of Cyprus and Pimen contested the position of metropolitan of Kiev and All Rus, with the grand prince of Moscow supporting Cyprian's faction. The 1378–1380 succession dispute reflected Moscow's intention to dominate church unification, paving the way for the patriarchate to be established entirely in Moscow.