In Russia, on July 28, a new memorable date is celebrated for the first time - the Day of the Baptism of Rus'. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed a law introducing a corresponding amendment to Article 11 of the federal law “On days of military glory and memorable dates of Russia” on June 1, 2010.

Previously, the bill was adopted by the State Duma of the Russian Federation and approved by the Federation Council. The Russian Orthodox Church proposed giving the Day of the Baptism of Rus' state status.

It was on July 28 (July 15, old style) in 1015 that the Kiev Grand Duke Vladimir Svyatoslavovich, the baptist of Rus', who was later canonized, died. The Russian Orthodox Church celebrates the day of remembrance of Equal-to-the-Apostles Saint Prince Vladimir on the same day. Thanks to the clever timing of the date, the country will actually be celebrating the death of one of the greatest statesmen in its history.

The Day of the Baptism of Rus' will not be a day off, since days of military glory and memorable dates of Russia are not such. The main celebrations will take place today in Moscow at the Resurrection Gate of Red Square, on Pushkin Square and in the Church of St. Vladimir on Solyanka.

In Ukraine, where the Day of the Baptism of Kievan Rus is celebrated, the solemn service in the Kiev Pechersk Lavra will be led by Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus'. After this, the head of the Orthodox Church will fly to Moscow, where he will take part in festive events.

Russia celebrates a new holiday - the Day of the Baptism of Rus'