Every year, starting in 2010, September 21 is World Day of Russian Unity.
The initiator of the establishment of this holiday was the Russian Union of Compatriots ( RUSS ) in Kyrgyzstan, on the initiative of which the International Initiative Committee « World Day of Russian Unity » was created in autumn 2009.
The idea of a new holiday was presented on November 25, 2009 by the chairman of the RUSS and the chairman of the International Initiative Committee, Alexander Ivanov, at the II International Youth Forum « St. Petersburg and young compatriots: Bridges of Cooperation in the 21st Century ».
Participants were invited to support the initiative and sign the Declaration on the Proclamation of this Day. Representatives of 24 countries of the world became members of the International Initiative Committee and signed the Declaration, becoming co-founders of World Day of Russian Unity: Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Greece, Georgia, Denmark, Israel, Ireland, Italy, Cyprus, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Slovakia, USA, Turkey, Finland, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Sweden, Estonia.
World Day of Russian Unity was established in order to preserve the ethnocultural identity of the Russian people, positive national self-identification, the unification of Russians, the entire Russian world, interaction between the Russian community and Russia, to preserve ethnic, historical and cultural values, the development, popularization of the Russian language and literature as part of the world cultural heritage, as well as further consolidation in the interests of creating a powerful intellectual, economic and spiritual-cultural Russian-speaking space in the world.
World Day of Russian Unity is marked by a number of important historical events in the life of the Russian people and Russia:
1. The founding day of Russia — the day of the calling of the Varangians on Russia — the unification of Russian tribes, the beginning of the reign of Rurik ( 862 ).
2. The Christmas of the Blessed Virgin Mary — is one of the main holidays celebrated by the Russian Orthodox Church.
3. The day of foundation in 859 « the father of Russian cities » — Veliky Novgorod.
4. Day of Military Glory of Russia — Victory Day in the Kulikovo Battle ( 1380 ) — the beginning of the liberation of Russia from the Tatar-Mongolian yoke, laid by Grand Russian Prince Dmitry Donsky.
By the way, the Russian birch is a symbol of World Day of Russian Unity. And every year the events within the framework of the Day are held under a certain motto, among which: « I love you, mom! », « Save the Russian language! », « Great history of Russia, remember it! », « In unity and harmony — saving the world of the Russian! » and others.
World Day of Russian Unity contributes to the strengthening and development of Russian statehood, the glorification of Russia and the Russian people.
Infographics – poster « September 21 — World Day of Russian Unity »