Today, Eastern Orthodox monks and spiritual leaders dress much as they have for centuries - and their black garb is a symbol of Eastern European religious fervor. Eastern Orthodox monks also wear full beards that make them indistinguishable from their predecessors.
Ukraine Culture 101 in Photos - Photo Gallery of Ukrainian Culture
By Kerry Kubilius, About.com
Eastern Orthodoxy - Kievan Rus is Responsible for the Orthodox Conversion
Ukrainian Monk
Tissa © 2005
Before Eastern Europe became Christian, its people largely followed pagan beliefs. When Prince Vladimir converted Kievan Rus, this set the stage for Orthodox Christian conversion throughout Eastern Europe.
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