All-Russian Day of Sobriety

On September 11, All-Russian Day of Sobriety is celebrated by everyone who continuously abstains from taking alcohol and other psychotropic substances and those who are not so categorical, but want to spend this period of time in a clear mind. The idea of ​​an absolutely sober lifestyle for the entire population arose in 1911 in St. Petersburg, and was supported by the Orthodox Church. After 2 years, the holiday “Day of Sobriety” received official status and was accepted in most provinces. On this day, a prayer service was held, and all drinking establishments were closed. For a special date, they chose the date of the great Orthodox holiday - the Beheading of John the Baptist, because it was at a drunken feast that the decision was made to execute the saint. With the advent of Soviet power, the holiday was abolished as a religious holiday, only to be revived in modern times, when the problem of alcoholism in Russia assumed alarming proportions. The statistics for comparing the share of consumption look very disappointing. Thus, in Tsarist Russia at the beginning of the 20th century, the amount of alcohol did not exceed 1 liter of alcohol per year per capita. By 2008, these deplorable figures reached 18 liters. It is worth noting that today Russia, of course, is not a champion. The share of alcohol consumed is gradually decreasing - it is already about 10, and in some regions even less. But strong drinks are still in the lead and there is room to strive for the ideal amount recommended by WHO (maximum 8 liters). Therefore, the government has developed an anti-alcohol concept until 2020. Numerous temperance societies and Orthodox organizations help in the fight against “Russian drunkenness.” The Christian Church emphasizes the fact that it does not consider wine a forbidden drink, unlike, for example, Islam, which is categorical in this regard. But consumer culture often leaves much to be desired. A sincere appeal to God, rehabilitation centers, and a special icon “The Inexhaustible Chalice” will always help you to be in a natural state without clouding your mind with alcohol. Not only the church takes part in the healing of the nation. Internet blogs make their own unique contribution to the formation of the virtue of sobriety. The popularity of fitness, proper nutrition and an uncompromising refusal of alcohol - such computer propaganda is better perceived by the younger generation. Many socially-oriented initiative groups in the regions of Russia organize flash mobs, collective jogging or workout. The Ministry of Health, together with the regional government, organizes all kinds of master classes, exhibitions, concerts, competitions, and intellectual shows. There was definitely no dull moment during the public festivities. This is the idea that the ideologists of the holiday are trying to convey – you can have an interesting time without alcohol. Everyone has their own path to health and clear thoughts, but attracting public attention to such a serious problem will definitely not be superfluous, because the future of the nation depends on it.