This week in Russia every other day is a national holiday. July 6 was Ivan Kupala Day, which marks the summer solstice, while today, July 8, is the Day of Peter and Fevronia of Murom.
Saints Peter and Fevronia are an example of the ideal Christian family, for which they are revered by the Russian Orthodox Church. For more than eight centuries, they have exemplified how husband and wife should treat religious marriage and each other. According to researchers, the story of Saint Peter and Fevronia does not completely reflect historical truth, and its narrative is the result of the merging of different folk tales.
Prince Peter, who suffered from leprosy, promised to marry the peasant girl Fevronia if she cured him. Fevronia, however, did not heal him completely, and since the prince did not keep his word, he fell ill again. The second time Fevronia helped him, and the prince took her as his wife. He loved and respected her all his life, letting her advise him in state matters. Their bond was an example of charity to the common folk and faithfulness to each other. According to legend, Peter and Fevronia died on the same day at the same hour in the year 1228.
The monument of Saint Peter and Fevronia, Sergiev Posad
The story of the saints is immortalized in The Tale of Peter and Fevronia, composed in the first half of the 16th century by the priest Hermolaus-Erasmus. Russian Orthodox Christians have venerated Saints Peter and Fevronia for almost 800 years, but the All-Russian Day of Family, Love and Faithfulness appeared as an official holiday in the calendar only 8 years ago, since when attempts have been made to convert Peter and Fevronia Day into a second St Valentine's Day.
The idea to celebrate the Day of Family, Love, and Faithfulness is supported by all traditional faiths in Russia. The All-Russian Day of Family, Love, and Faithfulness is symbolized by the chamomile plant and centered in the city of Murom in the Vladimir Region.
We took this opportunity to find out what Muscovites think about love. Do they believe in it?
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