In Russia celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Why all of a sudden, and it's for a holiday at all?

Who was Saint Patrick?

This is a Christian missionary and bishop of Romano-British origin, which in the V century popularized Christianity in Ireland.

His name was, according to different versions, Mayvin Sukkat or Mago, and Patrick or Patricius (Patricius - «noble man, patrician ") was the nickname that he was given the Irish pirates, took him prisoner and sold in slavery.

Who is Saint Patrick associated with Irish culture. He became a national symbol in conjunction with the shamrock, which, according to legend, explaining the principle of the Irish trinity of God.

Why is St. Patrick's Day began celebrating around the world?

St. Patrick's Day began to celebrate in

Ireland in the XVII century in honor of the anniversary of the death of St. Patrick. Later, this holiday has got to America with the Irish immigrants who continued to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and wearing a green color to emphasize their love of country.

In the 1990s, the Irish government has launched a campaign to promote the culture of the country in the world with the help of St. Patrick's Day. In 1996, the festival was held, dedicated to this holiday, and later such festivals spread throughout the world.

Who is St. Patrick's Day is celebrated with parades and festivals in different countries: Canada, Malaysia, UK, Switzerland, South Korea, Japan and Russia.

As St. Patrick's Day has penetrated into Russia?

In the summer of 1991 in Moscow, opened the "Irish trading house on the Arbat," and a year later in the St. Patrick's Day decided to hold a parade led by the Irish, who have participated in this project. On the contrary, "the Irish House" made the podium and made a parade of all the rules - as it has already been held around the world.

Since then, the Moscow parades with national Irish music and dance. Processions and festivals of Celtic culture can also be seen in St. Petersburg, Nizhny Novgorod, Kaluga, Yekaterinburg and other cities of Russia.

Irish music and dance, shamrock images, leprechauns and lots and lots of green.

As Saint Patrick linked to green?

Since Saint Patrick became associated with Ireland, holiday painted in green color, which can be regarded as the national colors of the country.

First green flag used Irish rebels during the uprising in 1641, then became green the hallmark of the members of the United Irishmen who fought against British rule in 1790 year.

Now in the St. Patrick's Day, people dress up in green clothes, and even drink green beer.

Why is St. Patrick's Day everyone drinks beer?

Initially, this day was canceled Lent, Catholics could relax a bit from him and eat the national dish - cabbage with bacon. Pubs, on the contrary, were closed that day, so that absorption of beer and whiskey is not a native tradition.

Brewfest subtext of the day we have to a large-scale advertising campaign of Budweiser in 1980, who claimed to drink beer and celebrate St Patrick's Day - it's the same thing.

This tradition has little to do with the Christian St. Patrick's Day, and especially with the Orthodox day of remembrance of the saint, which was first noted March 30, 2017.

ROC recognized St. Patrick's Day?

Yes, and quite recently. At a meeting of the Holy Synod of March 9, 2017 it was decided to add to the 15 Orthodox calendar of saints venerated in the West.

They are chosen based on several criteria: that the holy revered even before the separation of the Church on Catholic and Orthodox (great schism) to his name is not mentioned in the writings of the fight against the Eastern Church and to his revered Orthodox congregation in the Diocese of Western Europe ROC.

St. Patrick, Ireland, educator, or a saint, Patrick, went on all parameters, and it is also included in this list, and his memory of the day established on 30 March.

Why do decide to recognize the Western saints?

There are several versions of why the ROC suddenly decided to admit the Western saints:

• For the sake of rapprochement between the two Christian churches - Orthodox and Catholic - and, possibly, the establishment of political relations with the West. In February 2016 it took place the first meeting of Patriarch Kirill and the Pope at the airport in Havana to sign a joint declaration. It can be considered as recognition of the Catholic saints continuation of work on convergence.
• Due to the increase of Orthodox immigrants in Western countries. Because they live in the current cultural milieu, with its veneration of saints of the Orthodox Church diocese must somehow adjust to this environment and to express their attitude to the revered saint.

And as recognition of St. Patrick's impact on this holiday in Russia?

Most likely, no way. St. Patrick's Day in Russia decided to celebrate March 30 (March 17, Julian calendar), but this time the post continues believers. Therefore, to drink alcohol, eat unlawful food and enjoy forbidden on this day.

Another thing - people who celebrate St. Patrick's Day like a happy holiday, dedicated to the Celtic culture, go to the parades and dressed in green. In this case, it has nothing to do with religion and recognition of St. Patrick's Church. Therefore, there is no limit to the green beer, whiskey, leprechaun costumes and unbridled joy.