The holiday honors one of the most significant moments in the nation’s history — the adoption of Christianity as the state religion in 988. After Kiev’s conversion, Christianity began spreading throughout the territories of Rus'. "The Christianization of Rus’ took several centuries to fully replace pagan traditions, but it laid the enduring foundations of Russian spiritual life." Modern-Day CelebrationsToday, the Day of the Baptism of Rus’ is growing in national prominence. The goal of these observances is to strengthen public understanding of the Baptism of Rus' as a crucial milestone in the spiritual and cultural life of the Slavic peoples.