Boris I ruled in the ninth century, when Bulgaria adopted Christianity. After leaving power he became a monk. Conversion was more than a personal change of faith: it reshaped relations with Rome and Constantinople and raised the question of which language to use in worship and books. Adopted Christianity and the name Michael. Received the disciples of Cyril and Methodius in Bulgaria. Supported the development of Slavonic learning. His support helped the disciples build centres of learning, beyond merely finding refuge.
Where you meet Boris I
Unknown medieval painter (Preslav); photograph credited to Julian Tomanov in Atanas Boschkov, Die bulgarische Malerei (1969), p. 53 · Public domain (PD-Art, PD-old-70) · Wikimedia Commons
History of Bulgaria
