Every year, an increasing number of Russians call themselves believers - these are the results of many years of observation and research of various sociological institutes, foundations, and other similar organizations. However, the interest of the population in the church is clearly visible with the naked eye: in television and newspaper news in detail they talk about holidays or other outstanding events of Orthodoxy.
Holy Trinity: the history of one of the main holidays in Russia
However, there were skeptics here who doubted the true faith of all those who besiege temples on Easter Eve with the goal of blessing Easter cakes and eggs, and if they arrive in a city from far away with holy relics or a peace-keeping icon, they stand for many days to queue with their own eyes see the shrine. The inquiring minds of our modernity, with their inherent incredulity, turned to the same sociologists and with their help found out something. As it turned out, a considerable number of Russians who carry the cross and regularly hold Lent cannot tell about the history of the most important church holidays, such as the Protection of the Holy Virgin, Ascension, Annunciation and the Trinity. The history of the holiday, whatever it may be, should be known to those who celebrate it. Otherwise, one has to doubt: is it not a simple fashion tribute to everything that many Russians pass for religiosity?
History of the Holy Trinity
Despite the long-suffering biography of our country, the observance of many religious and other traditions was forever preserved among the Russians. One of the most significant holidays of the Orthodox calendar is Trinity. The history of the holiday and its origin were somewhat unexpected. Few people know that this holiday "stepped" into Orthodoxy ... from ancient religions! And not only Slavic, but also Hebrew!
In both beliefs of our distant ancestors, it was customary to mark the day of the end of spring field work. This day was called Semik among the ancient pagan Slavs, and among the worshipers of the many gods of the Jews, who celebrated the beginning of the harvesting of bread in Palestine, at Pentecost. Later, when the Jews believed in one God and became Jews, the feast of Pentecost took on a new meaning - the worshipers announced that this day was marked by the presentation of the tablets to Moses, which happened on the famous Mount Sinai. And the Orthodox Slavs began to celebrate the Trinity in memory of the day when, according to legend, the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles. Until that moment, the Lord appeared to people in only two of his guises - father and son. The very name of the Trinity, as you know, is associated with the trinity of God: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. By the way, the Jewish name of the Trinity - Pentecost - can often be heard in Russia, because the Holy Spirit appeared to the apostles precisely on the 50th day after Easter.
Leave to descendants
Truly gladdening for their culture and religion, people strive to provide future generations with all the knowledge that has been accumulated so far. However, modern life, and this should be recognized, leaves less and less time for studying the spiritual heritage of the people. Therefore, historians, culturologists and religious scholars do not consider it possible to let the process of this knowledge drift. In school curricula, special attention is paid to culture and religion, and caring teachers are trying their best to instill interest in children in this field of knowledge. And since one of the most important (but not as popular as Christmas and Easter) Orthodox dates is, in particular, Trinity, the history of the holiday for children is often presented in an entertaining way. So, in some Russian schools the annual costume show is dedicated to this holy day. And many parents who are not devoid of spirituality, bringing their children to the Tretyakov Gallery, do not forget to tell that one of the greatest Orthodox canvases - the icon of Andrei Rublev, painted by him in the 15th century, is the Trinity.
The history of the holiday, whatever it is, is always important and interesting, and therefore we urge everyone: while celebrating this or that celebration - church or secular - take an interest in how, when and why humanity began to consider this date a holiday.