Sretensky Ball - beautiful traditions of Orthodox youth

Soon across Russia the Sretensky balls will be held.But not all people know what kind of event it is, how often it is held and what the history of the holiday is. On the eve of the next Sretensky Ball, it's time to get to know this good Orthodox tradition.

When and where are the Sretensky balls held?

Annually in different cities of the Russian Federationpass Sretensky balls. The date of their holding is always unchanged - February 15. On this winter day, the Orthodox Church celebrates two holidays at once. The first of them is the Presentation of the Lord, from which the name of the ball takes place. The second holiday is the World Day of Orthodox Youth, formed more than 50 years ago.

Sretensky ball can be organized in anythe city of Russia and even the world, where there are operating dioceses of the Russian Orthodox Church. Usually, such events are held in the local district houses or the Palaces of Culture. Sretensky balls have become a good tradition in such cities of Russia as Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Chelyabinsk, Murmansk.

The Presentation of the Lord

The Sretensky Ball is inextricably linked withone of the twelve most important church holidays - the Meeting of the Lord. It is celebrated by Orthodox Christians on February 15, just forty days after the birth of Christ. It was on this day that the newborn Jesus was brought from Bethlehem to the Jerusalem temple. The name of the holiday is translated as "The Presentation of the Lord."

The Lord's Savior was first mentioned atworship in the Jerusalem church in the IV century. The very word "meeting" is explained as a "meeting". On this day, Orthodox Christians do go to meet the Lord, get closer to him.

The church feast of Meeting is not connected with balls or other entertainment activities. The tradition of their conduct appeared in the modern Orthodox society much later.

World Orthodox Youth Day: the history of the holiday

World Orthodox Youth Day is celebrated with1953 year. The celebration was preceded by the holding of the First General Assembly of the World Orthodox Youth Movement "Syndesmos". This public and ecclesiastical organization began its work in France in 1952. The main goal of its formation is to serve the church and establish close ties between the Orthodox youth of different countries. To date, more than a hundred organizations from 40 countries participate in the social movement.

On this day, February 15, around the worldOrthodox youth conducts meetings with clergymen, visits hospitals, arranges concerts with dances and live music, organizes sports competitions, competitions, games. During these events, as a rule, the problems of the attitude of the young generation to the Orthodox faith are discussed.

Sretensky balls in modern Russia

In Russia, the tradition of holding February 15Sretensky balls appeared thanks to His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II. In 2002, he issued a provision on the establishment of the Russian Orthodox Youth Day. At the same time, the public organization All-Russian Orthodox Youth Movement was established.

Every year, the day the church celebratesThe meeting of the Lord, and on the eve of the holiday, Orthodox youth in different parts of Russia organize conferences, congresses, processions and other solemn events. The main event of the evening is the holding of the Sretensky Ball. His direct organization is engaged in the youth of the city - members of the Orthodox social movement.

An example scenario of the Sretensky Ball

The key to the success of any festive event is to write a literate script. Without it, even an Orthodox ball can be an unorganized booth.

An example scenario of the Sretensky Ball for Youth is as follows:

1) Introduction of the leading evening, in whichYou can pay attention to the notion of the ball and its place in the history of Russia. It should be noted that the youth balls returned to their everyday life in 2002. Especially popular was the Sretensky Ball, timed to the Day of Orthodox Youth.

2) Invitation of participants to the first dance. By tradition it is polonaise. The Polish dance-procession at a moderate pace opens the evening.

3) The presenters present guests to the organizers, sponsors and participants of the ball.

4) Some information about the second dance of the evening - waltz.

5) Waltz performance by dancing pairs.

6) Concert program: performance of musicians, conducting competitions.

7) Some history about the next dance - ragtime.

8) Performing the dance by the participants of the evening.

9) Concert program: quizzes, creative numbers.

10) Announcement leading and performing a French dance called padekatr.

11) Historical information about the Polish dance. Execution of its participants in the ball.

12) Holding of games, competitions.

13) Wishes of the participants of the Sretensky Ball to the organizers.

14) Farewell waltz.

The presented program of Sretenskyball is approximate. If desired, it can be supplemented with additional drawings and other entertainment events. However, the dances presented in the script are binding for the participants.

When will the next Sretensky Ball take place?

In many cities of the Russian FederationBalls in honor of the celebration of the Meeting of the Lord and the Day of Orthodox Youth has already become a good tradition. Often in their organization are not only interested in the participants of the social movement, but also the city administration. Sretensky balls are called to educate the youth in accordance with the good traditions of the Russian Orthodox Church. Anyone can take part in the event, regardless of whether they are participants in the movement.

When should the next Sretenskyball of Orthodox youth? The date of the celebration remains unchanged: annually on February 15. But, at the request of the participants of the event, in connection with studies or work, the ball can be transferred for the next day off.

The Sretensky Ball is a revival of Russian traditions and the formation of Orthodox spirituality among young people in modern society.