Historical memory: July 7 - Day of Military Glory of Russia - Day of the victory of the Russian fleet over the Turkish fleet in the Battle of Chesma (1770) on the Nativity of John the Baptisttranslated

July 7, 2026 · 1 min read

In 2012, amendments were made to the Federal Law of March 13, 1995 No. 32-FZ “On the days of military glory and memorable dates of Russia.” The day of victory in the Battle of Chesma during the Russian-Turkish War of 1768-1774 was included in the list of days of military glory of Russia. In 1769, squadrons of Admiral […]

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Ilie Radu

I did not know that the battle of Chesma was precisely on Pentecost, on the day of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. Interesting how they linked this date to the church calendar when they passed it into law in 2012.

Michael Moore

I didn't realize the battle fell right on the Nativity of St. John the Baptist either. Interesting they tied it to the church calendar when they added it to the law in 2012. Makes the date feel less random.

María Sánchez

I did not know that the battle of Chesma fell on the day of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist. I am struck by how in 2012 they tied it to the Church calendar by putting it in the law; This way the date feels more natural and not so arbitrary.

Василь Коваль

It is interesting that this victory fell on the Christmas of John the Baptist. I did not know that in 2012 it was so tied to the church calendar, when it was introduced into the law. It turns out that the date is now not only historical, but also has a spiritual meaning.

Magdalena Zielińska

I didn't know that Chesme fell on Saint's Nativity Day. John the Baptist. In our parish, on this day there is always a great water and a procession, and also a sea battle - it somehow fits together. I wonder who thought about this when changing the law in 2012.

Constantin Ciobanu

Yes, Elijah, I also noticed this connection with the Birth of St. John the Baptist when I read the law of 2012. They probably wanted to anchor the victory in the Orthodox calendar, so that it would be easier to remember. Do you think that such church data help young people to better understand history?

Mihai Nistor

Yes, Elijah, I was also surprised when I saw the exact connection with the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. I think that the Russians chose this time in 2012 precisely so as not to get lost in the civilian calendar, as happened with many other battles. Do you have any idea how the victory was celebrated immediately after 1770 in Russia?

Тарас Шевчук

It is interesting that it was on the Christmas of John the Baptist that the Forerunners won in Chesma. I also did not know that in 2012 it was specially attached to the church calendar when it was introduced into the law. It turns out, now the date sticks more firmly in the head, especially when we talk about history in our youth group.

Cristina Gheorghiu

Yes, Constantine, I also noticed that they linked the victory exactly to the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, probably to keep it fixed in our calendar. I think so, it helps young people - a child who goes to service on July 7 hears about the battle in church, not just in history class. How about you, have you talked to your grandchildren about it?

Alexandra Ciobanu

Yes, Mihai, I also read that immediately after 1770 the Russians held thanksgiving services on the very day of July 7, related to the Nativity of Saint John. They also christened a ship "Chesma" to keep the memory alive. Do you think that today we still take into account such calendar coincidences when we choose official dates?

Петро Гончар

It is interesting that you mentioned the connection to the Christmas of John the Baptist in 2012. I also didn't pay attention at first, but when I found out, I thought - it's good that they did that, because in our parish, on this particular day after the service, we often mention Chesma while fishing with the boys. And in your youth group, are you sorting out any other naval victories, or just this one?

Elena Lungu

Yes, Cristina, the connection with the Nativity of St. John the Baptist is well kept in the calendar, so that it is not lost. I told my grandchildren last summer, when we baked cakes together, how the Turkish fleet burned in the harbor; the older boy asked if the Russians also used the ships from Sibiu. Have you tried to explain it to your children?