THE SCENE: Saint Olga of Kiev, who introduced Christianity to Russia, originally got baptized as part of a cunning scheme to avoid getting married.
THE TEXT: The reigning emperor was named Constantine, son of Leo. Olga came before him, and when he saw that she was very fair of countenance and wise as well, the Emperor wondered at her intellect. He conversed with her and remarked that she was worth to reign with him in his city. When Olga hear his words, she replied that she was still a pagan, and that if he desired to baptize her, he should perform this function himself; otherwise, she was unwilling to accept baptism. The Emperor, with the assistance of the Patriarch, accordingly baptized her.
After her baptism, the Emperor summoned Olga and made known to her that he wished her to become his wife. But she replied, “how can you marry me, after yourself baptizing me and calling me your daughter? For among Christians that is unlawful, as you yourself must know.” Then the Emperor said, “Olga, you have outwitted me.” He gave her many gifts of gold, silver, silks, and various vases, and dismissed her, still calling her his daughter.
– Tales of Bygone Years, Nestor, 12th Century AD
