The President of Russia signed a decree establishing the Day of Family, Love and Fidelity on July 8, the document is posted on the portal of legal information, writes RBC. Now the holiday, which has been celebrated in the country since 2008, has become official, which, however, does not yet make it a day off.
There are no notes in the decree that the holiday will become a weekend. This year July 8th falls on a Friday, which is a working day.
The holiday is celebrated on the day when the Orthodox venerate the memory of Saints Peter and Fevronia of Murom, who are considered the patrons of the family and marriage. In 2008, which was declared the Year of the Family, residents of Murom (Vladimir region) offered to celebrate the day of remembrance of these saints throughout the country.
The idea was supported by the State Duma and the Federation Council, and it also received the approval of the Interreligious Council of Russia. The organization of the celebration was undertaken by the Fund for Social and Cultural Initiatives of Svetlana Medvedeva, the wife of Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council, who at that time held the post of head of state.
For 14 years, the holiday has become popular in the country; every year on July 8, concerts and various thematic events are held. In addition, medals “For Love and Loyalty” are awarded on this day. According to the regulations on the medal, they are given to spouses who have been married for more than 25 years, “who have raised their children as worthy members of society” and who have become famous for “the strength of family foundations.” Last year, about 7,000 married couples received such medals.