Happy National Unity Day
2022-11-04

Happy National Unity Day

Today Russia celebrates National Unity Day - the youngest public holiday, established in 2005 at the Interreligious Council of Russia.

The event was scheduled to coincide with the Time of Troubles - a tragic period in Russian history from 1598 to 1613. These years were marked by natural disasters, the civil war, the Russian-Polish and Russian-Swedish wars, as well as the most severe state-political, socio-economic and spiritual crisis. The people were tired of devastation and strife, which made it possible to unite and get out of this terrible period of stagnation.

Unfortunately, before joining forces for good purposes, people often have to go through enmity, confusion, splits and devastation. And only when these things are exhausted and the pockets are empty, people become capable of negotiating and ready for unity and creative work...

Unity Day is a kind reminder of the value of harmony, which is so lacking in our imperfect world. At the same time, one must understand that the main reason for disunity is sin, which divides people, making them selfish and hostile toward each other. The source of true unity is only found in Jesus Christ, who conquered sin at Calvary. Also true unity is impossible without love. Here is how Christ prayed for his disciples, which include all generations of Christians:

“Let them be one, as We are one. I in them and You in Me; that they may be perfected as one, and that the world may know that you sent me, and that you have loved them as you have loved me” (John 17:22-23)

Alas, the Christian society does not always correspond to the principles set forth in this prayer. Here everyone should look at themselves:

  • Do I love God and my neighbor?
  • Am I ready to humble myself and reach out to my opponent?
  • Am I a good example for others?

Starting with ourselves, we can make the world around us a little better, moving it away from the abyss of destructive upheavals.

Today we are living through days when the lack of unity is especially obvious, which means that we need to intensify prayers for peace, wisdom, love - for without these,  true unity, which the Savior Jesus Christ commanded us, is impossible. 

D. Gostev

 

 
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