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Religious freedom at the heart of Metropolitan Saint Francis' message for the 4th of Julytranslated

July 4, 2026 · 1 min read

Every year on the 4th of July, the United States celebrates its Declaration of Independence from Great Britain, which was adopted in 1776. In 2026, however, the celebration takes on special symbolism, as it marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the American state. Religious freedom is at the heart of Metropolitan St. Francis' video message for the 4th of July. His Holiness presents the anniversary as a milestone that rarely occurs in a nation's history. His Holiness notes that two and a half centuries ago "a small band of determined men assembled in Philadelphia" and, risking life, property, and honor, signed a proclamation that was to change the world.

Thus, he invites the faithful, between the fireworks and the gatherings with relatives and friends, to stand for a while in front of the "extraordinary gift" of the country. The words of the Declaration, he notes, still move: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal and that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, among which the...

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Alexander Turner

The part about that small group in Philadelphia risking everything really hits home. Religious freedom is one of those gifts we take for granted until it's threatened. Good reminder from the Metropolitan to pause between the fireworks and reflect on it this year, especially with the 250th coming up.

Марина Морозова

Yes, that line about “a small group of determined men in Philadelphia” who risked everything really hits home. In our country, too, freedom of faith has not always been as calm as it is now. It’s good that the Metropolitan reminded us to stop and think about this “exceptional gift,” and not just set off fireworks.

Надежда Морозова

Yes, it is this phrase about Philadelphia that catches you - our ancestors in the 17th and 18th centuries also did not pray in silence, but under threat. Here in Samara, in the old church on Sokol, traces from the times when icons were hidden are still visible. In which parish do you usually celebrate such dates?

Любовь Морозова

Yes, the phrase about Philadelphia really touches the soul. In our church in Rostov on the West, we also have old icons from the times when they were hidden in the underground. Do you often visit Sokol in Samara or do you only go to that church?

Марина Богданова

Yes, it definitely caught my attention about Philadelphia, as if our Old Believers also risked everything in those same years. In our church in Yekaterinburg at VIZ, icons from the underground also remained, with scratches from those hide-and-seek situations. Do you often visit Sokol in Samara or more often to other parishes?

Александр Орлов

Yes, Philadelphia really touches us - the same risks, the same faith in spite of everything. In our parish in New York we also have old icons that were hidden in the 20s, with worn edges. And in Samara, I go to Sokol a couple of times a month, especially when my daughter asks me to stop by after basketball, but how often do you come to Yekaterinburg on a VISA?

Анастасия Морозова

Yes, these old icons with scratches are like living witnesses, we also have one in our home church in Minsk, they were hidden in a cellar under Soviet rule. But I rarely visit Samara; I mostly visit our parishes, especially when my grandson comes from Minsk. Do you often look at such icons during services in Yekaterinburg?