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, production and agricultural work stopped, and a huge crowd brought people to the church. Each of the holidays was overgrown with centuries-old rites and traditions that were carefully transmitted from wise fathers and gray-haired grandfathers to their children and growing grandchildren. Recently celebrated on July 28, the Day of the Baptism of Rus is not included in the number of glorified and famous religious celebrations. That is why it is time to talk more about this holiday.
Federal Date
People do not remember historical milestones as much as they are interested in Christmas fortune-telling and Easter feasts. But the significant stages in the formation of the Russian nation need to know. In 2010, at the request of representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church, then incumbent President D. A. Medvedev launched a new era. Baptism Day of Russia - July 28: the history of the holiday, which received state status, began its reckoning. With the consent of representatives of other religious faiths, this celebration is assigned to the number of significant memorable dates 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 vibrant historical event, occurred 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 accidentally chosen. 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 it was proclaimed July 28 as the Day of the Baptism of Russia.
This figure in history is considered extremely controversial, but unique. On the one hand, nicknamed the People of the Red Sun, Prince Vladimir is a very revered leader, and on the other, his character and actions are far from always capable of evoking the sympathy and pride of his descendants. He could very well remain in history a bloodthirsty, fierce and unbridled politician, but for a number of circumstances he became the one whom distant descendants recall on July 28 - the Day of the Baptism of Russia - with a kind word.
Characteristics of the historical person
According to the chronicles, the mother of Vladimir was a simple housekeeper Malusha, who received the attention of the Grand Duke of Kiev. Therefore, being the heir to the powerful Svyatoslav Igorevich, the boy was taken to the capital at an early age. There, Voivode Dobrynya, who was better known to modern people not from history books, but from folk tales and epics, took up his education.
Possessing great ambitions, a remarkable mind and innate cunning to clear his way to the throne, Vladimir stepped over his brother. Without shying away from the means, he conquered and received new lands by cunning, striving for sole power in the state. Prince Vladimir was an ardent pagan in education and conviction. However, the Day of the Baptism of Russia, which took place in history on July 28, is connected with the will of this very, very colorful person. After a trip to Byzantium, which took place in 988, Vladimir changed his faith himself, ordered his sons and squads, and then his people to do the same.
About the reasons for cardinal changes
Many historians believe that this event occurred for political reasons. The One God was more suitable for the ruler, whose goal was to unite the state from disparate principalities. And the worship of numerous idols only contributed to the separation between different groups on religious grounds.
But, perhaps, the Prince of Kiev really genuinely repented of his pagan past. Be that as it may, since then his people have been considered the Orthodox nation. Although the echoes of idolatry have not been forgotten for a long time, making themselves felt up to the present time, despite the fact that July 28th, the Day of Baptism of Russia, marked on July 28 marked the more than a thousand-year history of Christianity.
Chronicle Events and Traditions
The baptism of our ancestors was carried out in droves in the waters of the Dnieper and some other rivers, and not always by their voluntary consent. However, centuries later, to summarize, it is possible to conclude that this measure was a huge step forward in the advancement of Russia in the world arena in political and cultural terms, and it turned out to be an impetus for the development of sciences, arts, writing and architecture. Christianity consecrated family ties, and somewhat later greatly strengthened the ties of the state with enlightened Europe.
Strictly speaking, July 28 - the holiday of the Day of the Baptism of Russia - falls on the Julian calendar on the 15th day of the specified month. At that 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, introducing a new Gregorian account for numbers and months. The indicated religious holiday was forgotten. And the epochal date of the change of the Old Slavic pagan faith was obscured by other historical events, which at that time seemed more important. But ministers continued to honor past traditions. And in the XXI century, the events described were again remembered and talked about.
Mythic historical milestone and modernity
The transition of ancient Slavic peoples from pagan customs to the precepts of Christ is now marked not only in Russia, but also in Belarus and Ukraine. The ceremonial date on the Day of the Baptism of Rus - July 28 - events mark the most diverse: church, educational and cultural. Among them now memorable are: the procession, mass baptisms, the Divine Liturgy and the bell ringing. The young holiday is gaining more and more fame, reinforcing in the public consciousness the idea of the origins of our religious culture and the traditions of our ancestors. It is also possible that soon this date will become a warm family celebration and will grow into its own traditions.