Manichean Russia

Manicheanism was a branch of Zoroastrianism with influences from buddhism and christianity.

Manichean priests were also popular in the steppes during the time persia was ruled by the arabs and even converted the Ruler of the Uyghurs (in 763) before his heir suppressed the religion. Make it so that manicheanism continues it's spread along the steppes and eventually Russia.
 
Maybe the Khazars convert? From there, it does not seem so implausible that their religion could spread to the East Slavs.
 
Well, most of their beliefs were taken from Zoroastrianism, right?

No, it was from Gnosticism within the Hellenic tradition and early Christianity. Mani himself was raised by a sect of Judaized apocalyptic sect of Christianity in late-Arsacid Iraq. Later, to appease the Sassanid new authority, Mani adapted some of his views to the Persianized paradigm, but the essence was not Zoroastrian.

Until the Sassanid period, when Mani was older, it is likely that Mani never encountered Zoroastrianism. It is disputed whether Sassanid style Zoroastrianism even existed prior to the rule of High Priest Kartir in the lifetime of Mani. The Arsacid rulers of Iran, showed little inclination of Zoroastrianism, and seem to have based upon their coins, promoted Greek, Mesopotamian and Iranian polytheism.
 
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I kinda feel like...is it imposing too much OTL religion to say taht for Manicheanism to spread in Russia it has to be established at some point prior to the conversion of Russia in a location that is going to be spreading missionaries and influence in Russia before that point?
 
Question is, how long will it last? Seems like a magnet for the Northern Crusades or equivalent.

I was thinking about that as well. I don't know how appealing manicheanism would be to the russian pagans but maybe it could be more re-christianized when it enters russia? and the crusades would target them as a heresy?
 
I was thinking about that as well. I don't know how appealing manicheanism would be to the russian pagans but maybe it could be more re-christianized when it enters russia? and the crusades would target them as a heresy?

Possible, especially with Byzantine cultural influence. A crusade might still be launched, but it might attract less fervor than one against a 'Pagan' Rus'.

If Manichaeanism lasts longer across the Steppe as well, it might be interesting to see more synergy or cultural syncretism between the Rus' and Tatars and other nomads also.
 
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