July 28 — The Day of the Baptism of Rus: the history of an important holiday, event
The Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) annually celebrates on July 28 the most important religious holiday — the Day of the Baptism of Rus. In 2025, it falls on a Monday. On this day, believers remember the proclamation of Christianity in Russia as the state religion in 988. The history and traditions of the holiday are in the material of Izvestia.
The Day of the Baptism of Russia – 2025: the history of the holiday
The Day of the Baptism of Russia is celebrated annually on July 28, this date is also the memorial day of Prince Vladimir, he was canonized as the baptist of Russia. During his lifetime, he was called Vladimir the Red Sun, the nickname the prince received due to his concern for his people.
History says that Prince Vladimir remained a pagan until the age of 30, like most Slavs of Kievan Rus. The main disadvantage of paganism was the huge pantheon of deities, and this in turn provoked conflicts between worshippers of different idols. Prince Vladimir understood that a united faith would help unite the people and end strife, so he turned to one of the world religions — Christianity. Another version of Prince Vladimir's interest relates the decision to the fact that his grandmother, Princess Olga, was baptized in 957 in Byzantium and became one of the first Christians in Russia.
"The Tale of Bygone Years" says that in 986 Vladimir Krasnoe Solnyshko invited representatives of different countries to Kiev to tell about their faith (Christianity, Judaism, Islam), — the event was called the "Test of Faiths."
The prince rejected Islam immediately, because the strict laws of this religion prohibit alcohol. Judaism was not so popular, besides, its followers did not have their own country, and this was important. Vladimir was interested in a Christian preacher who told the ruler about the Last Judgment and the history of the creation of the world. The prince was impressed by the story, and he sent several people to get acquainted with different religions.
The returning envoys were delighted with the divine services in the St. Sophia Cathedral in Constantinople, which became the reason for the final decision in favor of Christianity.
Although Prince Vladimir was interested in baptism, he did not want to submit to the Byzantine emperor. Therefore, he captured the city of Chersonesos and demanded that the emperor marry his sister, Princess Anna. The head of Byzantium agreed on the condition that Vladimir become a Christian. The prince was baptized in 988 and returned to Kiev, and then he ordered the destruction of pagan idols and the baptism of all residents. One of the first places of baptism was a point in the center of Kiev, where the Pochaina River flows into the Dnieper, and Christianity became widespread over the next 100 years.
The meaning of the feast of the Baptism of Rus
After 988, people began to abandon pagan idols en masse and adopt a new faith. This day is still important for the Russian Orthodox Church, and the event dedicated to the Baptism of Rus is celebrated annually.
In 2008, the previous primate of the Russian Orthodox Church, Alexy II, proposed adding the event to the list of state commemorations. Two years later, on May 31, 2010, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev included this date in the list of memorable dates, according to the law "On Days of Military Glory and Memorable Dates of the Russian Federation."
The Baptism of Rus is one of the key and significant moments in the history of the country, which had a tremendous impact on the spiritual and cultural development of the peoples of Russia, said Patriarch Kirill of All Russia.
According to him, the "inoculation to the blessed body of the Universal Church", which was made by Holy Prince Vladimir, has become the greatest spiritual force for the people, it still helps us to go through "difficult vicissitudes of the historical path."
During the sermon, the patriarch urged not to abandon Orthodoxy and follow the historical choice of Prince Vladimir.
July 28, 2025 marks 1037 years since the Baptism of Rus.
The Day of the Baptism of Rus: traditions and program of events
For the first time, the Day of the Baptism of Rus was celebrated at the state level in 1888, at that time exactly 900 years had passed since the adoption of Christianity in Russia. Folk festivals, church services and religious processions were organized in honor of the holiday. Mass social events and services in churches and temples are also being held in honor of the holiday.
Divine services are held throughout Russia on July 28, and bells ring in churches throughout Russia at noon. In Moscow, on this day, a procession is held to the monument of Prince Vladimir on Borovitsky Hill near the Kremlin. At the same place, Orthodox Christians hold a solemn prayer service to the saint. In honor of the Day of the Baptism of Rus, festive concerts, lectures, and theatrical performances are organized in different cities. Thematic programs and worship services are broadcast on television.
On this day, divine services last from dusk to dawn, and Christians all over the country go on religious processions. According to established traditions, adults and children are baptized on this holiday, and they also get married. It is believed that a marriage concluded on the Day of the Baptism of Rus will be long-lasting and happy.
On this holiday, it is strictly forbidden to abuse food and alcohol, cry and get discouraged, and work hard. In addition, on this day it is forbidden to refuse those in need and harvest crops for sale. You should not start new businesses, as they will not bring any positive result, and if you leave a child alone on the street on this day, he may become a victim of evil forces.
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