Students and Orthodox Believers Celebrate Tatiana's Day

The Russian Orthodox Church and Russian students are celebrating Tatiana’s Day, TASS reports. Saint Tatiana used to be the patron saint of the Lomonosov Moscow State University. Peter the Great’s daughter signed a decree on founding the university on 25 January 1755. Viktor Sadovnichy brought the holiday back 30 years ago when he became head of Russia’s oldest university. Tatiana’s Day was officially declared the holiday of Russian students 10 years ago. In addition, a chapel dedicated to Saint Tatiana opened at the Moscow State University. As of today, there are university churches in many Russian regions.

Students and professors attend the holiday service at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior every year. Tonight, they will also have a chance to see a concert by Hieromonk Photios, the winner of the Russian vocal talent competition show The Voice.

As reported by the Information Service of the Russkiy Mir Foundation, the initiative entitled Tatiana’s Ice will be implemented across Russia today. Famous Russian athletes, including Evgeni Plushenko, Tatiana Navka and other champions, will perform at the ice rink on Red Square in Moscow.