The Russian population willingly received this new master who would free them from the heavy yoke of the Mongols, and never-ending civil wars. As he respected their internal constitution and the rights of the orthodox clergy it appears that many towns readily opened their gates to him. Gedimin sought to realize his conquests by contracting alliances with the house of St. Vladimir, allowed his sons to embrace the orthodox faith, and authorized the construction of Greek churches in his residences at Wilna and other seats.
He had a perpetual struggle to sustain himself in the North against his deadly enemies, the military monks of Prussia and Livonia, but, like his predecessors, he addressed himself to the Pope, John XXII, and informed him that he wished to preserve his independence and that he only asked protection for his religion, being surrounded by Franciscans and Dominicans to whom he gave full liberty to teach their doctrines. He promised also to recognize the Pope as the supreme head of the church if he would save him from the Germans. This Pope being a Frenchman lent ready assistance.
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From General Nelson A. Miles
Thrilling Stories of The Russian-Japanese War, 1904
