Following a service at the Holy Trinity Monastery in Murom, where relics of Sts. Peter and Fevronia are kept, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia thanked the First Lady for her initiative to make the Day of Family, Love and Faithfulness a nation-wide holiday. Saints Peter and Fevronia are honoured by Christians for their pious lives as a married couple.
Svetlana Medvedeva participated in the opening of a new preschool in Murom: the facility for 45 children will be housed in a new modern building, equipped to make the city’s young residents stay there comfortable.
On the Day of Family, Love and Faithfulness Murom also honoured its married couples celebrating their golden, silver, and other notable anniversaries.
Svetlana Medvedeva awarded medals For Love and Faithfulness, established by the celebration’s steering committee. Ten Murom families participated in the award ceremony, which took place in the regional administration building. Some of the families included couples who had been together for 30 years, while others had been together for over 60 years. Svetlana Medvedeva thanked everyone for a positive atmosphere, for their kindness and understanding. “I am once again happy to be here with you on this wonderful day – the Day of Family, Love and Faithfulness,” the First Lady stated.
Svetlana Medvedeva noted that the celebration is closely associated with Murom, the ancient Russian city that honours the Orthodox saints and patrons of Christian marriage, Peter and Fevronia. “We are honouring their memory and their moral ideals, which are once again entering our families and our homes,” the First Lady stressed. “Love and trust are things that need to be maintained and passed on to future generations,” Ms Medvedeva stated.
The First Lady has been to Murom on several occasions. When participating in the Day of Family, Love and Faithfulness celebrations last year, she suggested opening a chapel at the city’s maternity hospital. The city recently celebrated the opening of the chapel, honouring the icon of Our Lady of Procreation.