PERM (RUSSIA) - We live in a multi-national and multi-denominational country and understand that it is important to treat various ethnic and religious groups of our nation with respect.
Our society is full of prejudices, different opinions and views of inter-national and inter-personal relationships. Lord Jesus destroyed all stereotypes that existed in His time by His love, sincere acts of kindness towards hurting people and helped them to trust the Lord.
I am confident this holiday is another opportunity for us, Christians, to help our neighbors, whatever nationality they are and whatever views they may have, to know the Savior, to be a blessing for them in many ways – the Church is called to fulfill Christ’s commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves.
My prayer is that all peoples of our nation would live in peace and unity, respecting each other.
Edward Grabovenko
Head Bishop
The Russian Church of Christians of Evangelical Faith
Additional Information
On November 4 Russia celebrates National Unity Day (also called Day of People's Unity), one of the recently established public holidays (since 2005).
It was created in 2004 and celebrates the liberation of Moscow from Polish troops in 1612, led by Kuzma Minin and Dmitry Pozharsky. This event marked the end of the “time of troubles” and foreign intervention in Russia. It led to Mikhail Romanov’s accession to the throne.
The event was marked by a public holiday, which was celebrated in Russia on October 22 from 1649 till 1917. The name of the day is in recognition that all the classes of Russian society united to save Russia, even though there was no Tsar to lead them.
Unity Day calls for tolerance between various ethnic and religious groups in the Russian Federation.
