Congratulations on the Day of the Baptism of Rus'translated

Dear brothers and sisters!

I cordially congratulate you on the Day of the Baptism of Rus'! This is a special holiday for our Fatherland and for each of us.

More than a thousand years ago, Saint Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Vladimir, whose memory the Orthodox Church honors on this day, made a choice that determined the fate of our entire people. The Russian people have become forever close and dear to the Orthodox faith, the evangelical foundations of life, the ideals of holiness and the truth of God, examples of Christian love and mercy.

The Baptism of Rus' is an amazing phenomenon that radically influenced both the soul and heart of the people - the prince himself and his subjects, and the formation of the state. Thanks to unity in faith, civil strife ceased, and the Russian state arose. The Christian attitude towards neighbors formed the basis of legislation and changed the family and social structure. The great original Russian culture grew on the basis of the highest Christian values, the desire for the Heavenly World, the ideals of goodness and beauty. They are reflected in architecture, icon painting, decorative art, music and literature. Faith has raised in our people many saints who intercede before God for our holy land...