A new memorial date set up in Russia – Baptism of Rus Day

2 June 2010
Source: President of Russia

President of Russia Dmitry A. Medvedev signed the Federal Law “Concerning Amendments to Article No. 11 of the Federal Law “On Dates of Military Glory and Memorial Dates in Russia”.

The law was adopted by the State Duma on May 21 2010 and approved by the Council of Federation on May 26 2010.

The Federal law adds a new date to the list of the country’s memorial celebrations: July 28 which is declared the Baptism of Rus Day.

According to the Orthodox Church calendar on the day of July 28 (July 15 in the Julian calendar) people paid tribute to the memory of the Grand Prince Vladimir – Baptizer of Kievan Rus.

The Federal law grants legal status to the date, which commemorates an important historical event, which had a great influence on social, spiritual and cultural development of peoples of Russia and consolidation of Russian statehood.