Changes

Within a century or so of the conversion of Vladimir, the Church was the dominant social institution in the Russian lands. The new religion needed new places of worship and to meet the demand; the Kievan Rus state and its successors imported Greek architects to build new Churches<ref>Billington, p 189</ref>. They used Byzantine models and this is seen in the distinctive domes of the churches and the cathedrals of the Orthodox Church. The influence of Byzantine architects on palaces and the homes of the elite soon became evident. Within decades of the conversion of the Grand Prince, the city of Kiev was considered to be one of the most beautiful in medieval Europe. After the Mongol Invasions, architecture went into decline, but Byzantine models still influenced subsequent Russian building, as evidenced in the Kremlin<ref> Hamilton, George Heard. The art and architecture of Russia (Yale, Yale University Press, 1983), p 198</ref>. The influence of the Orthodox Church was also important in the development of Russian painting. Icons were introduced into Russia by missionaries and soon they were popular with converts. Frescoes were also popular in many Russian Cathedrals. Initially, Greek artists introduced the art of Byzantium to Russian artists. In the centuries after the adoption of Christianity, Greek artists such as Theophanes (1330-1405) helped to introduce new styles based on the Byzantine Renaissance, ‘which emphasized realism’ <ref> Hamilton, p 189</ref>. This influence from Byzantium led to the development of important schools of icon painting such as Pskov. The Byzantine tradition of icon painting is one that is still practiced in Russia to this day. Another important result of the cultural exchanges between Byzantium and early Russia was that Byzantine chants and music was used in Russian Orthodox Church services. This was to have an important impact on the development of Russian music, including right up to the great classical composers of the 19th century.