January 25 is known in Russia as a holiday of the students. It is the day of St. Tatiana and the day when Moscow University was established by a decree of Empress Elizabeth, daughter of Peter the Great, in 1755.
Today rector of Lomonosov Moscow State University Victor A. Sadovnichy expressing deep sorrow for the victims and survivors of the Domodedovo airport attack changed the program of the holiday, canceled all entertainment events, and encouraged everyone to humanism and responsibility.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Tatiana’s Day — thanks for the explanation, Olga. Originally I wondered
why all persons named Tatiana should have their own holiday!! ;-))
Richard, it is an old tradition originated with the church calendar, which comes from that time when everyone was named after some saint and saint’s feast day was celebrated every year as a name day (in Russian “imeniny” – from the word imya =name). For instance, the name (imya) of my mother is Vera. Her imeniny we celebrate on September 30. This is the day of Sts Vera, Nadezhda, Lyubov and Sophia. My name day is celebrated on July 24. It is like having a second birthday however the age means nothing. I can not say I celebrate my imeniny but due to the fact I can receive congratulations.
Look, I checked the calendar for Richard’s day. It will be on April 3. 🙂