The annual calendar of Russians is replete with a wide variety of holiday dates. It is no exaggeration to say that holidays in our country happen almost daily. In addition, on one date there may be several secular and religious celebrations or historical events. What are the memorable dates for August 30? What holiday in Russia will Orthodox believers celebrate on this day ?
International holiday
What is remarkable day August 30? What holiday is celebrated in Russia and around the world? Recently, the UN General Assembly has dedicated this date to the issue of enforced disappearances of people who are not only criminal, but also politically motivated. According to experts of this international organization, every year the human rights to psychological and physical integrity are violated throughout the world, and freedom of expression, self-determination, and freedom of conscience are suppressed. And it is the forced disappearances of active participants in opposition movements and organizations that is one of the powerful illegal tools for such violations.
Celebrating the International Day of Victims of Enforced Disappearances at the end of summer, Amnesty International calls on the world to do everything possible to eradicate this illegal phenomenon, as well as to respect all civil rights and freedoms without exception.
Days of the festival in Kazan and Tatarstan
Truly grandiose celebrations take place on this day in one of the largest Russian regions - the Republic of Tatarstan. Every year on August 30, Republic Day is held here. The memorable historical date of birth of statehood is declared a public holiday in the region. They prepare for mass festivals in advance in the republic, decorating the streets of both cities and small towns. Traditionally, the Day of Education of the Republic begins with a congratulatory message from the head of Tatarstan to citizens. Until late in the evening concerts, folk festivals, and national entertainments are held everywhere.
Day of the city of Kazan, the capital of the republic, is also held on August 30. What holiday in Russia is still celebrated on this summer day?
City Yelnya
City Day is also celebrated on August 30 by Yelnya. This small city in the Smolensk region, in accordance with historical documents, was founded in 1150 by the Kiev prince Svyatoslav. Since then, the fortress of Elna, and after that the city of Yelnya, has been a real platform for military battles. The devastating Tatar-Mongol raids, crushing fires, the difficult years of occupation by the knights of the Principality of Lithuania preceded the final consolidation of the status of a Russian city for Yelnya. During the war of 1812, the inhabitants of the city opposed Napoleon’s troops, and during the difficult years of World War II they fought against the German occupation forces. Today Yelnya is one of the cities of military glory of Russia.
The liberation of Taganrog
Traditionally, at the end of August, festive events designed to recall the events of the Great Patriotic War are held in Taganrog. Residents of this city of military glory celebrate annually the liberation of Taganrog from the occupation of Nazi invaders. The festival with the participation of World War II veterans is invariably accompanied by colorful performances by local musicians, singers, and creative groups. Festivities last until late in the evening, and the day of the liberation of Taganrog ends with festive fireworks.
Vacuum cleaner birthday
So, the penultimate day of summer is rich in events, despite the absence of major national holidays falling on August 30. Which holiday in Russia also deserves attention? Every year on August 30 in our country and in most European countries, the birthday of such an indispensable household appliance as an electric vacuum cleaner is celebrated. Nearly one and a half centuries ago, on this day, the British Hubert Booth received a patent for a vacuum cleaner, his invention, which greatly improved the hygiene and sanitary condition of European houses and actually put an end to the plague epidemic.
Orthodox holidays, events, veneration of saints
Which Orthodox saints are revered on August 30? What church holiday in Russia is celebrated on this day?
Since ancient times, on the penultimate day of summer, they worshiped St. Miron (Kizichesky), a Greek priest, tortured in the III century for refusing to worship pagan beliefs. The people called this holiday Miron Vetrogon and was considered the beginning of autumn leaf fall. By Mironov’s day it was necessary to finish sowing winter crops, so as not to be left without a crop. The date of veneration of this holy martyr, who during his life was distinguished by mercy and gentle temper, is also known as “Widow's help”: in Russian villages there was a good tradition to render all possible assistance to widowed women on this day.
Together with the holy martyr Miron, in accordance with the church calendar, several other Orthodox saints are venerated: Paul and Julian, the venerable icon painter Alepius, the martyrs Philip, Straton, Cyprian and Eutychian and others.
In addition to the veneration of saints on August 30, what holiday in Russia does the Orthodox calendar prescribe to celebrate on this day? The penultimate August day is a celebration in honor of two icons of the Mother of God: Svenska and Armatia Pechersk.
So, now we know that on a single date - August 30 - there are more than six holidays: from international to religious.