"Christianization of Poland in April 14 966 by Jan Matejko

The Baptism of Poland (Polish: Chrzest Polski) was the event in 966 that signified the beginning of the Christianization of Poland, commencing with the baptism of Mieszko I, who was the first ruler of the Polish state. The next significant step in Poland's adoption of Christianity was the establishment of various ecclesiastical organs in the country during the 10th and 11th centuries. This included the building of cathedrals and the appointment of clergy. This date should not be confused as the independence day of Poland. Christianization of Poland by Jan Matejko This image has been released into the public domain by the copyright holder, its copyright has expired, or it is ineligible for copyright. ... Christianization of Poland by Jan Matejko This image has been released into the public domain by the copyright holder, its copyright has expired, or it is ineligible for copyright. ... This article or section needs additional references or sources to improve its verifiability. ... Events First year of tianfeng era of the Chinese Xin Dynasty. ... Events April 14 or April 30 - Mieszko I, first duke of Poland, baptised a Christian Births Fujiwara no Michinaga, Japanese regent Deaths King Dubh I of Scotland Categories: 966 ... Jan Matejko , self-portrait. ... Events April 14 or April 30 - Mieszko I, first duke of Poland, baptised a Christian Births Fujiwara no Michinaga, Japanese regent Deaths King Dubh I of Scotland Categories: 966 ... St Francis Xavier converting the Paravas: a 19th-century image of the docile heathen The historical phenomenon of Christianization, the conversion of individuals to Christianity or the conversion of entire peoples at once, also includes the practice of converting pagan practices, pagan religious imagery, pagan sites and the pagan calendar... This article is about the Christian religious act of Baptism. ... Reign c. ... Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations · Other religions Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Luther Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Archbishop of Canterbury · Catholic Pope Coptic Pope · Ecumenical Patriarch Christianity Portal This box:      Christianity is... As a means of recording the passage of time, the 10th century was that century which lasted from 901 to 1000. ... As a means of recording the passage of time, the 11th century was that century which lasted from 1001 to 1100. ... For other uses, see Cathedral (disambiguation). ... Clergy is the generic term used to describe the formal religious leadership within a given religion. ...

In adopting Christianity as the state religion, Mieszko sought to achieve several personal goals. He saw Poland's baptism as a way of strengthening his hold on power (through the use of the religion's medieval divine right doctrine), as well as using it as a unifying force for the Polish people. The exact place of Mieszko's baptism is disputed, historians have alternately argued that Gniezno, Poznań, Cologne or even Rome was the site of the event. The Divine Right of Kings is a European political and religious doctrine of political absolutism. ... Gniezno (pronounced: [gɲȋεznÉ”]) is a town in central-western Poland, some 50 km east of PoznaÅ„, inhabited by about 73,000 people. ... Coordinates: , Country Voivodeship Powiat city county Gmina PoznaÅ„ Established 8th century City Rights 1253 Government  - Mayor Ryszard Grobelny Area  - City 261. ... For other uses, see Cologne (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Rome (disambiguation). ...

Mieszko's action proved highly successful; by the 13th century, Roman Catholicism had become the dominant religion in Poland. (12th century - 13th century - 14th century - other centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 13th century was that century which lasted from 1201 to 1300. ... The Roman Catholic Church, most often spoken of simply as the Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with over one billion members. ...

See also

• Adalbert of Prague
• Dagome Iudex
• Pagan reaction in Poland
• History of Poland (966-1385)