How Russia turned to medieval saints in its push for ‘traditional values’ – and more babies

The Russian Orthodox Church is creating another pro-family day, part of a broader ‘traditional values’ campaign run by the government.

By: Diana Dukhanova, College of the Holy Cross, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: July 6, 2026

Words: 1,364

Last Updated: 2 weeks ago

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By Diana Dukhanova, College of the Holy Cross

One Saturday afternoon in May 2026, families gathered on Poklonnaya Gora, a hilltop war memorial park in western Moscow. They came for a procession and a “moleben,” an Orthodox prayer service, for the well-being of Russian families. Church media billed it as the first Day of the Sanctity of the Family.

May 30 is the feast of St. Evdokia of Moscow, a 14th-century princess who took …

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