The Primary Chronicle states that when Vladimir had decided to accept a new faith instead of the traditional idol-worship (paganism) of the Slavs, he sent out some of his most valued advisors and warriors as emissaries to different parts of Europe.
Annalerne fortæller herom, at da Vladimir havde besluttet at gå over til den nye tro i stedet for den gamle slaviske hedenske gudstro, lod han sende nogle af sine mest værdsatte rådgivere og krigere som udsendige til forskellige steder i Europa.