Day of the Baptism of Russia on July 28: modernity and historical milestones of Orthodoxy

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

From time immemorial, Orthodox celebrations have been revered and loved on Russian soil. Before the revolution, they were celebrated at the state level. On such days, industrial and agricultural work was suspended, and a huge crowd of people poured into the church. Each of the holidays is overgrown with centuries-old rituals and traditions, which were carefully passed on from wise fathers and gray-haired grandfathers to their children and growing grandchildren. The Day of the Baptism of Russia, celebrated recently on July 28, is not among the famous and well-known religious celebrations. That is why it is time to talk more about this holiday.

Federal date

People don't remember historical milestones as much as they are interested in Christmas divination and Easter feasts. But it is necessary to know the significant stages in the formation of the Russian nation. In 2010, at the request of representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church, then-President D. A. Medvedev launched a new era. Day of the Baptism of Russia - July 28: the history of the holiday, which received state status,started her countdown. With the consent of representatives of other religious denominations, this celebration is classified as a significant memorial date of federal significance. The impetus for such an event was the desire to pay tribute to the spiritual and cultural heritage of our ancestors.

Vladimir Svyatoslavich

The Baptism of Russia, as a significant and striking historical event, took place in the X century. It is not possible to compile an exact chronology of those distant years, but the date of the celebration was not chosen at all by chance. And it is connected with the memory of Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Vladimir. It should be told about what this extraordinary personality was so famous for, and why July 28 was proclaimed the Day of the Baptism of Russia.

This figure in history is considered extremely controversial, but unique. On the one hand, nicknamed the Red Sun by the people, Prince Vladimir is a very revered leader, and on the other hand, his character and actions are far from always able to arouse the sympathy and pride of descendants. He could well remain in history as a bloodthirsty, ferocious and unbridled politician, but for a number of reasons he became the one whom distant descendants remember on July 28 - the Day of the Baptism of Russia - with a kind word.

Characteristics of a historical figure

According to the chronicles, Vladimir's mother was a simple housekeeper Malusha, who received the attention of the Grand Duke of Kyiv. Therefore, being the heir to the powerful Svyatoslav Igorevich, the boy was taken to the capital at an early age. There educating himVoivode Dobrynya, better known to modern people not from history textbooks, but from folk tales and epics, took up.

Possessing great ambitions, remarkable intelligence and innate cunning, in order to clear his way to the throne, Vladimir stepped over his own brother. Not shunning the means, he conquered and received new lands by cunning, striving for sole power in the state. Prince Vladimir was an ardent pagan by upbringing and persuasion. However, the Day of the Baptism of Russia, which took place in history on July 28, is associated with the will of this very colorful personality. After a trip to Byzantium, which took place in 988, Vladimir changed his faith himself, ordered his sons and squad, and then his people to do the same.

On the causes of fundamental changes

Many historians believe that this event happened for political reasons. A single God was more suitable for a ruler whose goal was to unite the state from disparate principalities. And the worship of numerous idols only contributed to the division between various groups on religious grounds.

But perhaps the prince of Kyiv really sincerely repented of his pagan past. Be that as it may, since then its people have been considered an Orthodox nation. Although the echoes of idolatry were not forgotten for a long time, making themselves felt right up to the present time, despite the fact that the Day of the Baptism of Rus, celebrated on July 28, marked more than a thousand-year history of Christianity.

Events of chronicles and traditions

The baptism of our ancestors was carried out en masse in the waters of the Dnieper andsome other rivers, and not always by their voluntary consent. However, centuries later, summing up, it is possible to conclude that this measure was a huge step forward in the advancement of Russia on the world stage politically and culturally, it turned out to be an impetus for the development of sciences, arts, writing and architecture. Christianity sanctified family ties, and somewhat later greatly strengthened the state's ties with enlightened Europe.

Strictly speaking, July 28 - the feast of the Day of the Baptism of Russia - falls on the Julian calendar on the 15th day of the specified month. At this time, from time immemorial, it was customary to honor the memory of St. Vladimir. And so it remained until 1918, but the post-revolutionary government abolished the old foundations by introducing a new Gregorian account for the days and months. This religious holiday was forgotten. And the epochal date of the change of the ancient Slavic pagan faith was obscured by other historical events, which at that time seemed more important. But the ministers of the church continued to honor the old traditions. And in the 21st century, the described events were again remembered and started talking.

Epochal historical milestone and present day

The transition of the ancient Slavic peoples from pagan customs to the precepts of Christ is now celebrated not only in Russia, but also on the territory of Belarus and Ukraine. The solemn date on the Day of the Baptism of Russia - July 28 - is marked by a variety of events: church, educational and cultural. Among them now memorableare: procession, mass baptisms, Divine Liturgy and bell ringing. The young holiday is becoming more and more famous, strengthening in the public mind the idea of the origins of our religious culture and the traditions of our ancestors. It is also possible that this date will soon become a warm family celebration and acquire its own traditions.