Vladamir vs. Constantine - A Debate of Epic Proportions

Both Prince Vladamir of Kiev, Russia and Constantine of Rome converted to Christianity. But in my opinion, these moments in history are very different. For one thing, Constantine believed that he had received a message from God as his soldiers went into battle, and embracing this message of Christianity is what allowed his soldiers to win the battle. In this way, Constantine's conversion could be described as very grand-or epic, even. He changed Rome's official religion to Christianity, which brought about concern and questioning since the Romans were the ones who crucified Jesus in the first place. But in the case of Prince Vladamir and Kiev, Rome, he converted in a downgraded, "less epic" way. But, he ordered his subjects to convert as well, while Rome still had some tolerance for other religions and practices. In Rome, Christians were invited to come out and practice freely, which wasn't the case in Russia where people were forced to convert from their religion. Also, there were no questions or concerns for Kiev becoming Christian. In fact, it helped the city greatly. Byzantine culture spread to Kiev, and Kiev helped spread this culture throughout Russia. So, because the conversions to Christianity of Prince Vladamir and Constantine were so drastically different in their causes and effects, these moments in history differ greatly.