The problem of the “acephalous” bishop osmund and the issue of possible influence of the eastern church on christianization of sweden

The article investigates the problem of the Eastern Church’s influence on the process of Christianization of Sweden and the role of the “acephalous” Bishop Osmund in this process. Elements of such influence are presented, among which there are facts of interaction between Swedes and Ruses influenced by Byzantium, and trade relations of Swedes with Ladoga and Novgorod. Particular attention is paid to the possible participation of the “acephalous” Bishop Osmund in Christianization. Most of the article is devoted to him, including hypotheses about his origin and biography. Drawing on them, possible options for his connection with Byzantium and the Eastern Church are considered. To prove this connection, some arguments are given, which rely on the interpretation of the word “acephalous” in relation to Bishop Osmund, as well as on the political context of the period under study. Drawing on the facts above, a conclusion is made that there is high probability of the “acephalous” Bishop Osmund’s participation in the process of Christianization of Sweden. In this regard, the probability of the influence of the Eastern Church on the region is stated, and although this fact is not fundamental, it nevertheless indicates the complicated nature of the process of spreading Christianity in Scandinavian countries.