Kiev to Moscow - Lives and Writings of the Saints

Church of the East (about 50% of Christians) diminishes due to Arabian and Mongolian invasions/wars but Russia grows (from about 10%-50%) in both political boundaries and Christian representation from the 10th to 12th centuries. Then falls to Mongol rule. Then the progression of Rus' Khaganate to Kievan Rus' to The Grand Duchy of Moscow to the Tsardom of Russia to the Empire of Russia. The Patriarchate of Moscow was created in 1589 when the metropolitan of Moscow, Job, was elevated to the position of patriarch with the approval of the Patriarch of Constantinople. Later between 1431-1445 there would be an attempted reunion of Orthodox and Catholics under the context of Hussite Wars and rise of the Ottoman Empire. The eastern christian perspective on this "reunion" was to obtain military support from western christians, so that the conditions for temporary restoration of communion was due to political pressure and duress (i.e. Fall of Constantinople in 1453). Since the west never fulfilled their stipulations, most Orthodox clergy and laity consider the Council of Florence voidable and able to be rescinded. It seems that making a decision under duress, and that a coerced signature influenced by the Byzantine Emperor. Constantinople was not saved, hence Rome did not fulfill its obligations from a military perspective, thus Serbia, Russia, and eventually other Eastern bishops rejected the negotiated terms for religious re-union. For a more careful review of the four categories of approach, see other sources: matters of faith, negotiations for peace, reform, and "pro communibus"