In the early 90s in Russia, the holiday Valentine's Day, which is also called the Day of all lovers, became widespread. However, many Orthodox people have a firm position that this day is absolutely alien to both Russian culture and the worldview of Orthodox people.
The first mention of Valentine's Day as a European holiday dates from around the 13th century. In the United States, Valentine's Day only appears at the end of the 18th century, and in some Asian countries in the 20th century.
At present, in America and Europe, Valentine's Day takes on the meaning of a tolerant and sometimes even encouraging attitude not only to natural family love unions, but also to same-sex love, expressed in the legalization of same-sex marriage. Such an idea of love is completely alien to the consciousness of an Orthodox person, for whom the concepts of the family as marriage exclusively between a man and a woman, and marital fidelity have a significant meaning.
Recently, in Russia, Valentine's Day celebrations are becoming increasingly widespread. So, in many schools, celebrations are held in honor of Valentine's Day, in which the children do not explain the detrimental influence of the modern meaning of the holiday, which consists in introducing into the human mind a tolerance for love that is versatile and sometimes unnatural for a person. In accordance with the usual norms of morality and Christian ethics, every Orthodox person should be aware that Valentine's Day celebrations are alien to both church Russian tradition and the general idea of love and fidelity acquired in a lawful conjugal unity.
The celebration of Valentine's Day currently has nothing to do with the Orthodox calendar tradition. The Orthodox calendar has its own special holiday dedicated to the day of family, love and fidelity - the day of remembrance of the holy noble princes Peter and Fevronia, which is celebrated on July 8. This day is currently considered the day of all lovers for Orthodox people.
