The most touching and beloved national holiday on an international scale. Victory Day is the only holiday whose calendar name invariably evokes strong feelings. They are directly related to the heroism, feat, courage, bravery and fearlessness of our great ancestors. This is an epochal day in history. Adults and children annually unite in a single impulse: to pay tribute to the heroes, to remember the horrific events of the Second World War, to feel the power and greatness of the army corps, to see the best retro and modern models of military equipment on the ground and in the air. The first holiday with a deafening “emotional resonance” took place in 1945. It was accompanied by an unprecedented rise in pride, a sense of freedom and boundless joy. People ran out into the street, congratulated each other, kissed, hugged, and rejoiced in an unbridled burst of happiness. Early in the morning, all the loudspeakers of the country were literally “choked” with the news that May 9 had been designated as the Day of National Celebration - Victory Day, and given the status of a day off. The brave crew of Semenkov on a Li-2 plane delivered the act of surrender of Nazi Germany to the capital. The place of the legendary landing was the airfield named after. Frunze. The mausoleum became a platform for demonstration actions of Soviet standard bearers. They frantically threw the standards and banners of the defeated German regiments and divisions at the foot of the monument. In the finale, the enthusiastic residents of the USSR were treated to a grandiose Victory Salute for those times: exactly 30 powerful salvos from anti-aircraft guns. But there was no traditional parade of troops. The parade of troops initially took place in Berlin on May 4. But on Red Square the parade procession took place only in June, on the 24th. Preparations for the parade took about 45 days and were quite rigorous. To participate in the parade, it was necessary to have a decent track record and be at least 1 m 70 cm tall. The step frequency must also be certain - 120 steps/min. During training, lines were drawn on the asphalt along the length of the step and ropes were stretched at the same height. On the day of the parade there was a heavy and continuous rainfall, so they decided to cancel the aerial part of the program. The parade lasted just over two hours. About 40,000 people took part in it, and 1,850 pieces of military equipment were demonstrated. The command of the epoch-making action was given to Marshal Rokossovsky, and was taken by Zhukov on a snow-white horse. But after 3 years, the pompous celebrations on May 9 ended. Historians give two reasons for the ban. The first is saving money and allocating it for the restoration of the country, and the second is Stalin’s dissatisfaction with the fact that the laurels of the winner went to a greater extent to Zhukov. Be that as it may, in 1965, Victory Day was declared a holiday, and the lost tradition of military parades and fireworks resumed with renewed vigor. Nowadays, May 9 is a great holiday. In high spirits, people go to memorials, to the graves of the unknown soldier, lay flowers at the monuments, and pay tribute to the memory. The music of the war years is played, the cities hold ceremonial concerts, parades, exhibitions of equipment, folk festivals and fireworks. Since 2005, the St. George ribbon, black and orange, a combination of smoke and fire, a symbol of memory and peace, has become an invariable attribute of the holiday. And in 2012, for the first time, a festive procession of the Immortal Regiment took place in Tomsk. The initiators of the action were journalists from Tomsk media. Processions of people with banners depicting WWII heroes and home front workers gradually grew into a national tradition.

On May 9, member states of the European Union celebrate a common holiday called Europe Day. When Russia celebrates Great Victory Day, European citizens remember not the bloody war that divided Europe into two opposing camps, but the moment of unification of the continent. Any schoolchild knows about the origins of Victory Day, but the fact that Europe Day is also celebrated on May 9 is puzzling to most people. In fact, May 9, such a significant date for the states of the former Soviet Union, was chosen for a completely different reason. According to Hegel, the history of human society is carried out in a spiral. For this reason, it was on May 9, the day when Germany was forced to sign an act of retreat, only 5 years later, in 1950, Robert Schumann, then serving as Foreign Minister, gave a speech to correspondents, where he noted the main principles. Later they became the basis for the formation of the current European Union. This speech, called the “Schumann Declaration,” was announced on the same day in the popular European media. In it, Schumann called on Italy, West Germany, France, as well as the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Belgium to consolidate their coal and steel production and place them under the control of a new supranational system called the ECSC. All participating states were to be completely subordinate in these two economic sectors to the Supreme Council of the created structure, headed by Jean Monnet, Schumann’s colleague and part-time co-author of the “Declaration”. The ECSC allowed the formed system to keep the most significant branches of military production under control, thus resolving the German question. As a result, Germany was able to become a full participant in the new structure, but at the same time other members had the right to control its capabilities for waging war. Keeping in mind the significance of this event, EU members decided to immortalize the date in the memory of all European citizens. This happened in 1985 at a convention in Milan. Since that day, May 9 is not only the day of German surrender, but the announcement of the “Declaration”, and is celebrated in the European Union as Europe Day. But this event is celebrated not only by the member states of the European Union. Also, this holiday has become a full-fledged solemn date for Russia’s neighbors not only in the western and northern parts, but also in the southern and eastern. In Ukraine, in accordance with the decision of the President, since 2003 Europe Day has been celebrated on the third Saturday of May. Over the past years, the Council of Europe has joined forces with numerous partners to organize events on a European theme. All kinds of debates, sports competitions, exhibitions - all this is organized to inform society about the work of the structure, the main task of which is to disseminate European values. One of the most important symbols of the holiday is the traditional raising of the flag. Many Europeans still celebrate the event on May 5th. In doing so, they highlight the importance of the Council of Europe in protecting human rights, democratic society and the rule of law.

In 2012, on the initiative of a media group of journalists from Tomsk, an unusual event took place on May 9. More than 6,000 residents walked through the city in honor of Victory Day, carrying portraits of 2,000 veterans of the Great Patriotic War. The march marked the beginning of the development of a historical and patriotic movement throughout the country, which received the symbolic name “Immortal Regiment.” The civil initiative is aimed at preserving the memory of the generation of ancestors who went through the war. For this purpose, their grateful descendants take to the streets of cities and villages and march with portraits of veterans. Thus, every year on May 9, the “Immortal Regiment” memorial event is held in Russia and abroad. The motto of the movement, which in a short time has become a popular tradition for celebrating May 9, is the lines: “They must march in victorious formation at all times.” The quote is taken from a poem by journalist O. Shkvarkov from Nizhny Tagil. The official symbol of the action is a crane soaring in the sky against the backdrop of a five-pointed star installed on a soldier’s grave. The movement's logo refers to the legendary song-requiem by Ian Frenkel, written to the poems of Rasul Gamzatov. "Cranes" performed by Mark Bernes is a funeral anthem, a heartbreaking mournful song for those who died on the battlefields. The historical-patriotic movement has its representatives and headquarters in all regions of the country. In addition to coordinating actions and organizing the procession on May 9, the Immortal Regiment is compiling a chronicle - recording the life stories of front-line soldiers and other witnesses of the war on its own website. The pages of the portal contain thousands of family archives with photographs that help in finding information about people who lived in the difficult years of 1941-1945, and about their living relatives. The heroes of the "People's Chronicle of the Immortal Regiment" are army and navy veterans, underground fighters, partisans, resistance fighters, blockade survivors, concentration camp prisoners, home front workers and children of war. The geography of the Immortal Regiment is expanding year by year. The action has long since become international from a nationwide one. On May 9, 2019, residents of more than 110 countries took to the streets of populated areas with banners containing portraits of people who took part in the war. Self-isolation and other Covid-related difficulties did not stop participants in the movement in 2020. For 3 weeks, portraits of veterans were broadcast online. Thanks to this, the faces of the heroes were seen by more than 25 million people in 97 countries. The theme of memory of the feat of the peoples of the USSR in the battle with Nazi Germany is more relevant today than ever. The historical-patriotic movement includes lessons in courage in schools and processions with portraits of defenders of the Fatherland along the central streets and historical parts of cities in Russia, Belarus, Canada, Argentina, Mauritania, the USA, France, Italy and other countries. Thus, on May 9, the “Immortal Regiment” campaign is held annually on a truly global scale.

Many countries around the world are accustomed to celebrating Father's Day every third Sunday in June, following the example of America, but Germany chose a completely different date for this celebration. The Vatertag celebration coincides with the religious event of the Ascension of the Lord, celebrated forty days after Easter. Father's Day in Germany received official status back in 1936. In Germany, Ascension is included in the category of federal dates, so the holiday falls on a non-working day every year. In some regions of the country, this celebration has been called Men's Day in recent years. The history of the holiday began in the 18th century. In those years, in honor of the Ascension of the Lord, various processions and rituals were organized, in particular, dedications of representatives of the strong side of humanity. The following tradition was especially popular: men were seated in wooden carts, after which they were brought to the main square of the village, where the award procedure was carried out. As a rule, the prize went to the father with the most offspring, and a large piece of meat was used as a reward, allowing him to feed a large family. Over the years, the solemn processions lost their symbolism, turning into ordinary country picnics in the same friendly company. Father's Day celebrations in the country are celebrated on a grand scale. Most likely due to religious coincidence, the official columns dedicated to the men's date say that on this day Germans attend churches and spend the day interacting with children. In reality, everything happens completely differently. Probably, in the morning some representatives of the stronger sex run into churches, but by lunchtime the men of Germany gather in huge groups and go on vacation. Most often, picturesque nature is chosen for this. Alcoholic drinks are a mandatory attribute of leisure time - large volumes of bottles are loaded into a special cart. The men open a bottle of foamy drink and walk along the paths. And later everyone begins to relax as he likes. A juicy grill, fishing, football matches and visiting pubs are necessarily accompanied by setting your own records in alcohol consumption. According to official data provided by law enforcement officials, during the Vatertag celebrations, several times more conflicts occur in Germany compared to ordinary days. The number of tragic situations associated with the consumption of alcoholic beverages is also increasing significantly. Every year, Ascension marks the peak number of traffic accidents involving drunken motorists. In general, German men relax to the fullest. The German authorities, especially its female component, have repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with this matter. However, so far no action has been taken to suppress traditional men's recreation.

A holiday in honor of the ascension of Christ to heaven and the promise of the second coming. The date is moving, different for each year, but the day of the week is always Thursday. The reason for this is the moving cycle, that is, the countdown of 40 days from the celebration of Easter. For Western Christians, the special significance of the event is that it was on this day that Jesus became one in holiness with the Father and the Holy Spirit. A separate celebration of this date only became apparent in the 4th century AD, when the separation from Pentecost occurred. In ancient times, it was simply a special period, without a specific date. Only after the Elvira Cathedral did the holidays take shape into different ones - Ascension and Trinity. Documentary evidence of a separate celebration of the Ascension can be found dating back to the 5th century. The Ascension actually refers to the deification of the nature of Jesus, which took place on the Mount of Olives near Jerusalem. The biblical name for this area is the rise of Olives. There is the Chapel of the Ascension, where there is an amazing artifact - the footprint of Christ from his foot. This detail is on many icons depicting the process itself. In the Catholic religion, the image of Jesus in churches has a sculptural three-dimensional display. Therefore, it is often customary during the festive service to symbolically raise the statue of Christ to the top of the nave. Another established tradition was the “Three Days of Forgiveness,” preceding the all-night vigil and the main liturgy. They pray for God’s favor and praise him. All requests for mercy are reflected in traditions that have varying degrees of distribution in specific countries where the primacy belongs to the Catholic Church. In addition to solemn processions, chants, and putting out the Easter candle, a special ritual for ordinary Catholics is also associated with food. They bake amazing “Christ’s little shoes”, symbolizing the path of Jesus. Bird buns are usually made in countries where poultry is traditionally accepted as a holiday treat. On this day, food products are blessed, people ask the Lord for good weather and high yields. True Catholics cannot imagine a celebration without alms. As with any other Roman Catholic holiday, many rituals are based on folk, pagan roots. For example, lighting fires in the evening, believing in the healing properties of water and plants in the morning. Catholics from different countries love to celebrate this holiday. In many countries it is an official holiday (Austria, Germany, Colombia). Folk celebrations, fairs, and festivals take place everywhere. The essence of the solemn action is to show believers that the road to heaven is open, just as Jesus walked it to his Father. Therefore, for example, in Germany, it is customary to release doves into the sky, which also symbolizes the Ascension.

The Day of the Ascension of the Lord in Armenia is called Ambartsum. Celebrated 40 days after Easter, it is considered one of the most important events in the church calendar. Ambartsum traces its origins back to the 4th-5th centuries. The primary source of the holiday is the narration of the Gospel texts. A well-known legend about the resurrection of Jesus Christ after the crucifixion. For forty days Christ remained with his disciples and followers, with all the people on Earth. And then, on the fortieth day, he called his disciples to the Mount of Olives (Mount of Olives), which is located in the vicinity of Jerusalem, and gave a blessing for the enlightenment of the common people. He called on his followers to bring the Word of God to all peoples in all parts of the world, to teach the basics of beneficence, because only in this way, through righteous deeds and thoughts, can you save your soul. The words of Jesus touched the hearts of the disciples to the depths of their souls. They looked after their teacher, and Christ began to rise above them, soared in the air and soon disappeared behind the clouds. After the Ascension of the Lord, angels descended from heaven to the apostles. They told that Jesus was seated in the Kingdom of God, and also laid out the path for new righteous deeds. After all, the Lord will return to Earth again. This will be the time of the great Judgment, and until then the apostles must carry the foundations of faith to the people, do everything to save as many lost souls as possible. In Armenia, a festive church liturgy takes place on Ascension. As a rule, liturgies are held a week before the event, every morning. Visiting a temple for believers is an unchanging tradition; people go to church with special reverence to find peace and tranquility here for the mind and heart. The Day of the Ascension of the Lord in Armenia is also celebrated with many folk rituals that have come into modern times from the gray ages. Folk celebrations for the great holiday mark a cycle of rituals called Jangyulum. The word is very poetic: “gyul” means the concept of a flower, a rose, and personifies traditions associated with the spring rejuvenation of the earth and faith in a new, better life. “Jan” is a glorifying exclamation that is used after a name. In all regions of the country, folk celebrations are held, sometimes associated with ancient superstitions. In some regions, for forty days after Easter, women do not do sewing work because they are afraid of going blind, and in others, all dairy products are excluded from the diet for forty days so that cows do not stop producing milk. Folk festivities on Ambartsum are closely connected and intertwined with centuries-old rituals. On this day, children go to the meadows to collect the most beautiful flowers and weave festive wreaths from them. Young girls weave a special ceremonial wreath in the shape of a cross (Tsakhkamer). A ritual called the Lot is also performed. Young beauties wear the brightest, most colorful outfits, embroidered with intricate patterns, and go to the mountains and meadows to fill their special jug. Water from seven springs, sand from seven mountain streams, seven drops of dew and radiant inflorescences of seven different varieties are placed in it. The earth on this day is considered fertilized; it gives the most valuable gifts. It is customary to keep a jug with special contents open under the starry sky. To transfer grace to their body, girls put personal items into the vessel: rings, earrings, pins or buttons, and then with special trepidation they take them out and wear them for a whole year. The contents of the vessel are not thrown away, but used on the farm: water for dough, flowers for animal feed. The day ends with evening festivities, songs, and dances. Whole flocks of white doves are released into the sky - a symbol of goodness, purity, and hope.

Numismatists collect coins and banknotes, philatelists - stamps, antique dealers - antique furniture, books and household items. People who are interested in collecting uniform and simple buttons, the history of their appearance and manufacture, and compiling works of art from them are called philobutonists. In private collections there are ancient specimens, clasps of regular or original shape, made of bone, metal, wood and plastic. Incredibly beautiful panels and installations are made from buttons. The most famous works are the paintings and sculptures of Augusto Esquivel. Using clasps of various shapes and colors, the Argentine artist “painted” portraits of Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn and Salvador Dali, and recreated the famous “Mona Lisa” by Leonardo da Vinci. The Upright Piano is considered a real masterpiece of the master - a floating piano weighing 20 kg, made from 30 thousand pieces of white and black buttons strung on a fishing line. The publishers of Hobbies Magazine first started talking about philobutonism, which provided an opportunity for collectors to talk about their hobbies and share their achievements. Readers of the magazine showed off buttons that they had collected for years, not realizing the existence of a large number of like-minded people. In 1938, Hobbies Magazine organized an exhibition in Chicago in which clasp collectors took part. In the same year, the National Button Society was founded, which today has more than 3 thousand members living in different countries of the world. On the initiative of collectors, a funny holiday was established - “Hurray for Buttons” Day, celebrated annually on May 9. At different periods of human history, people used belts, buttonholes, cords and other types of fasteners for clothes and shoes. The oldest button is considered to be in the shape of a seashell, found in the Indus River Valley. According to scientists, its age is 7 thousand years. Until the 13th century. buttons were practically not used for utilitarian purposes - they served as decoration for men's clothing. Products made of silver and gold were sewn onto the capes of nobles and kings. In the Middle Ages in Germany, buttons began to be used as fasteners for clothing. They also served as identification marks that indicated belonging to a certain class, the presence of a military rank or a position in the public service. Buttons on women's clothing are located on the left, and on men's clothing they are on the right for a reason. Upper-class ladies were helped into dressing by servants. The mirrored buttons made it easier to fasten. This is how the division into “male” and “female” sides in clothing appeared. The tradition existed for centuries before the advent of unisex fashion. Manufactories for the production of buttons from animal bones and horns, tin and lead with ears and holes appeared in the middle of the 18th century. 80 years later, with the help of blank dies, this type of fastener began to be produced on an industrial scale. The British and French used porcelain, glass and fabric to produce buttons, the Japanese used hand-finished ceramics. Today, as thousands of years ago, the leg fastener, with two or four holes, is used to connect elements of clothing, giving it uniqueness due to its unusual design. Modern industry produces buttons of varying load ratings and a variety of materials, including wood, bone, metal and plastic. Acrylic paints, leather and fabric are used to decorate the fasteners. Ancient specimens can now be seen in national museums in the USA and Great Britain. The fun “Hurray for Buttons” Day offers a fun way to learn about the history of buttons, explore collectibles from private collections, and visit themed exhibitions.

On May 9 (April 26, old style) according to the folk calendar, Glafira Goroshnitsa is celebrated. This name is borrowed from the church calendar - the day of veneration of Saint Glaphyra of Amasia, a Christian girl who died for her faith in the 4th century. Glafira was a servant of Constantia, the wife of the Roman emperor Licinius, an ardent idolater and hypocrite who issued an order on tolerance of other religions, but often violated it. When Licinius wanted to lie with Glafira, the girl rushed to her mistress for help. The Empress helped her escape from the residence; Glafira stayed with Bishop Basil of Amasia. When the ruler found out about this, he forced the Christians to be brought to him. On the way to Licinius the saint died. People called Glafira the Pea Girl, because on this date the peasants plowed the land and planted legumes in it: peas, beans, lentils. To prevent young shoots from dying from morning frosts, legume grains were sprinkled with a peat mixture from previously rotted plants. In addition to the bean harvest, the plants served as fertilizer for the following year. In addition, they enriched the soil with nitrogen. Early potatoes were planted simultaneously with legumes. Potatoes with already sprouted shoots were chosen for planting. And to do this, it was germinated in advance: it was taken out for a couple of weeks in a bright place. When burying potatoes in the ground, humus was added to the soil for better development. To increase productivity, peasants read spells for rapid growth over planted crops. And in the evening they had a meal with symbolic bean dishes. Housewives baked pies with peas, cooked pea porridge, mashed potatoes or soup. If peasants observed an abundance of dew on Glafira Goroshnitsa, they prepared for increased yields of cucumbers and millet. A rare cuckoo cuckoo foreshadowed rainy weather, and a frequent cuckoo foreshadowed sunny weather. Frosts on this day promised a drop in temperature in exactly a week. Snow meant an easy year for livestock.

Orthodox holidays on May 9:

The reverent attitude towards the memory of soldiers who died on the battlefields, following the ancient Slavs, passed on to their descendants - Orthodox believers. Thus, Radonitsa, on which it is customary to commemorate the dead, has pagan roots. In honor of the holiday, the Slavs remembered their ancestors who had gone to the world of Navi and asked them for advice and help. Since ancient times, on these and other days, the Christian Church commemorates soldiers who died for the Fatherland and faith on the battlefield. For this purpose, the Orthodox calendar has special dates - Dimitrievskaya and Intercession Saturdays. According to church regulations, commemoration of deceased soldiers is also carried out on May 9, Victory Day. In memory of all those who died during the difficult years of the Great Patriotic War, a liturgy and a small funeral service are served. Believers place candles on the central candlestick or at any icon, depending on the saint or saint they want to address. In 2022, prayers for health for those participating in the special operation in Ukraine were added to the tradition of remembrance. In the Russian Orthodox Church, the tradition of services in honor of soldiers who died on the battlefield appeared in the 14th century. After the Battle of Kulikovo Field in 1380, Dmitry Donskoy arrived at the monastery of the Life-Giving Trinity to Sergius of Radonezh on September 8. The prince thanked the elder and other monks for their prayers for the Russian victory over the Tatars and ordered funeral services to be served for all those who died in the Battle of Mamaeva. This is how the tradition of annually commemorating deceased soldiers on Dimitrievskaya Saturday arose. In 1903, it was officially consolidated by a decree of Nicholas II, who ordered annual commemoration of soldiers who died “for the Faith, the Tsar and the Fatherland.” On October 13, 1552, under Ivan the Terrible, Kazan was captured and the khanate of the same name was liquidated. The commemoration of the Orthodox soldiers who died during the assault and those who fell during other periods of the war with the Tatars fell on the Feast of the Intercession of the Holy Virgin. Initially, the custom was considered local, but over time it spread from Kazan to other dioceses. It was decided to serve the requiem annually on the Saturday after the Intercession of the Holy Mother of God. In 1689, by decrees of Ivan V and Peter I, the names of soldiers who died on the battlefield during the Crimean campaign appeared in synodics. Before this, the names of three Kazan martyrs - John, Stephen and Peter - were included in church collections. After the battles of the Russian state in 1769 with the Ottoman Empire and Poland on the Day of the Beheading of the head of St. John the Baptist began to commemorate “Orthodox soldiers and all who laid down their lives for the faith and fatherland.” The number of funeral services in the Church Charter increased. Since 1995, May 9 began to be considered not only Victory Day, but also a solemn date for commemorating all those who died on the battlefields during the Great Patriotic War. There is nothing surprising in this decision of the church, because... During the war, she actively collected funds for the defense of the country from the enemy. For 5 years from 1941 to 1945. priests and believers donated more than 200 million rubles to the needs of the army. So, with the money of parishioners, a tank column named after them was formed. Dmitry Donskoy and the squadron of Alexander Nevsky. Commemoration of deceased soldiers is held on May 9 in all churches of the country and foreign parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church. In the morning, at the end of the liturgy, they serve a memorial service for the soldiers who died defending their homeland, and hold thanksgiving prayers, visit cemeteries and lay flowers on the graves of veterans.

The Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. Stephen, Bishop of Perm, on May 9. In the distant 14th century, the saint was the continuer of the apostolic educational tradition of Christians in the Russian lands, and performed many godly deeds, for which he was canonized. Stefan was born in Veliky Ustyug in the family of a priest of the cathedral church and from an early age began to learn to read and write. Already at a very young age, the boy fell in love with prayer, reading spiritual literature and showed great ability for learning languages. The young man studied not only Latin and Greek, but also the little-known speech of the pagan Zyryan tribes living in the forests near Veliky Ustyug. Having taken monastic vows, Stefan is inspired by the idea of ​​introducing the Zyryans to Christianity, for which he creates a unique Zyryan alphabet and writing system. The prototype of the letters was the notches in the trees of forest hunters; in total, 24 characters were included in the alphabet; soon the Holy Scripture was translated into the Zyryan language. After such thorough preparation, Stephen receives the blessing to spread Christianity among the pagan tribes. Knowledge of the language helped the saint to get closer to the Zyryans, and to learn that the priests and magicians were most revered among them. Supporters of pagan cults tried to harm Stephen’s activities, but even threats to his life did not prevent him from introducing idolaters to the faith of Christ. The saint moved from village to village, bringing the light of truth to the local residents. The decisive moment for Stefan was the clash with the high Zyryan priest Pama. The priest invited the missionary to test the power of his god by walking through the fire. Stefan agreed, and inspired by prayer, he called Pama to follow him. The priest did not have the courage to enter into the competition; he retreated in fear. After this incident, mass baptism began among the Zyryans and the construction of churches in the Perm region. In all cathedrals, services were performed in the language of the local residents, Stefan himself taught the newly-minted Christians Zyryansk literacy, and soon a theological school for Zyryans was established at the Church of the Annunciation. After four years of successful missionary activity, the saint was appointed bishop of the Perm lands, after which he began to improve the lives of his flock. Through the efforts of Stefan, the oppression of the Zyryans by the troops of Novgorod ceases, they manage to survive the lean years, having received benefits and assistance for the Perm lands from the Moscow Prince Vasily himself. The bishop died peacefully in 1396 on April 26th according to the old style. In the 15th century, legends about St. Stephen, both church and popular, began to appear, in which his great deeds were appreciated.

The Easter holiday among Orthodox believers lasts a whole week, which is called Bright Week. Each year it falls on different dates in April and May, starting immediately after the Resurrection of Christ and ending on Krasnaya Gorka. Divine services in churches in honor of the holiday are held with the Royal Doors open, joyful church chants and bells are constantly heard. All believers are allowed to call them at any time of the day for seven days. Baptisms, weddings and funeral services are not held on Bright Week. After the liturgy, a procession of the cross takes place around the temple. Bright Week is dedicated to doing good deeds - helping others, which includes giving alms to the poor and needy. It was believed that these days the Lord and the apostles wander the earth under the guise of beggars, so donations take on a special meaning. Orthodox Christians try to give up hard work, which is not associated with celebration and fun, and, if possible, perform simple household chores. Throughout Bright Week, also called Easter, the greeting “Christ is Risen!” is heard. The origins of such a long celebration lie in the Bible and religious canons. So, according to the Old Testament, God needed 7 days to create the world and man. Bright Week passes “as one day,” which symbolizes eternal salvation. Each day of Easter week is unique and, according to folk traditions, has a name and rules of celebration. In honor of the holiday, our ancestors went on this day to visit relatives and friends with cottage cheese Easter cakes, Easter cakes on dough with candied fruits and raisins, as well as colored eggs. This promised the owners of the house good luck and prosperity throughout the year until next Easter. On this day, girls gave colored eggs to the boys, and they doused them with water to make their lovers even more beautiful and healthy. Each religious procession around the temple after the service ends with the sprinkling of the believers. On Wet Monday, young and old alike poured themselves at wells and springs to improve their health and wash away illness. In honor of the holiday, latecomers were doused with cold water during morning prayer, as it was believed that absence from church for the liturgy could bring trouble to the family. Women went to visit with Easter cakes and eggs, while men and children stayed at home to farm. On Tuesday, like other days, it is forbidden to swear, overeat and drink a lot of alcohol. Throughout Bright Week, it is customary to read the troparion, kontakion and ipaka of the Hours of Easter. Visiting cemeteries and commemorating the dead is not encouraged. On this day, various fun activities were arranged, swinging on a swing, which, according to popular belief, was supposed to remove all negativity from a person. The girls danced in circles and sang songs. Wednesday was also called "Gradova". It was believed that hard work done on this day could cause hail and destroy the harvest. On Bright Wednesday, candles were placed in churches to protect crops from this natural phenomenon. On this day, the ban on remembering the dead was lifted, but this had to be done without grief, with light sadness. To visit the souls of the dead, doors were opened wide and towels hung on the windows. According to tradition, they went to cemeteries and left Easter eggs and colored eggs there on the graves. The ancient Slavs called Thursday “Navsky” because of the symbolic arrival of the departed from the world of Navi. Bridal viewings were held in the villages. The girls dressed up in their best clothes, the guys put on beautiful shirts. In addition to the shows, spring calls were traditionally held. The girls climbed the hills and hills and invited the warm sun, which would give a good harvest. On this day, it is customary to make peace and forgive offenders. On Bright Friday, the icon of the Mother of God “Life-Giving Spring” is venerated, so the church illuminates the believers with water and sprinkles the gardens and orchards with it. Relatives come to the homes of recently married couples. The young hostess sets the table and generously treats the guests. On Bright Friday, girls wash their faces with ice water to preserve their beauty. On this day, after the service, believers are given special bread with the image of a cross - artos. Pieces of it are kept at home near the icons until next Easter. Artos is given little by little to a sick person for healing. On the evening of Bright Saturday, the Royal Doors in the temple are closed. On this joyful and festive day, any work is postponed, people take to the streets and take part in noisy festivities. The ancient Slavs completed all rituals dedicated to the arrival of spring. On the first Sunday after Easter, Thomas met with the resurrected Jesus, hence the name of this day according to Christian traditions.

Memorial Day of Righteous Glafira of Amasia

Memorial Day of Hieromartyr Basil, Bishop of Amasia