Sretensky Ball - beautiful traditions of Orthodox youth

Soon across Russia состоятся Сретенские балы.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?

Every year in different cities of the Russian FederationSretensk balls pass. The date they are held is always the same - February 15th. On this winter day, the Orthodox Church celebrates two holidays at once. The first of these is the Meeting of the Lord, from which the name of the ball comes. The second holiday is the World Day of Orthodox Youth, formed over 50 years ago.

Sretensky Ball can be organized in anycity ​​of Russia and even the world, where there are active dioceses of the Russian Orthodox Church. Usually such events are held in local district houses or palaces of culture. Sretensky balls have become a good tradition in such Russian cities as Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Chelyabinsk, Murmansk.

The Presentation of the Lord

The holding of 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 "Representation of the Lord."

Сретение Господне впервые упоминается при worship in the Jerusalem church in the IV century. The word "meeting" is explained as "meeting." On this day, Orthodox Christians really go to meet the Lord, become closer to him.

The church holiday of the Presentation is not associated with balls or other entertainment. The tradition of holding them appeared in modern Orthodox society much later.

World Day of Orthodox Youth: the history of the holiday

World Orthodox Youth Day is celebrated with1953 The holiday was preceded by the holding of the First General Assembly of the World Orthodox Youth Movement “Syndesmos”. This church community began its work in France in 1952. The main goal of her education is to serve the church and establish close ties between Orthodox youth from different countries. Today, more than one hundred organizations from 40 countries participate in the social movement.

On this day, February 15, all over the worldOrthodox youth meets with clergymen, visits hospitals, arranges concerts with dancing and live music, organizes sports competitions, contests, games. During these events, as a rule, the problems of the attitude of the younger generation towards the Orthodox faith are discussed.

Sretensky balls in modern Russia

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

Every year, the day the church celebratesThe Presentation 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 Sretensky ball. Its direct organization is engaged in the youth of the city - members of the Orthodox social movement.

Approximate scenario Sretensky ball

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

An exemplary scenario Sretensky ball for young people is as follows:

1) Opening remarks leading evening in whichYou can pay attention to the concept of the ball and its place in the history of Russia. It should be noted that youth balls returned to use in 2002. Particularly popular was the Sretensky Ball, timed to the Day of Orthodox Youth.

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

3) Presenters present guests of the organizers, sponsors and participants of the ball.

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

5) Performance of a waltz by dancing couples.

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

7) A little story about the next dance - ragtime.

8) Dance performance by the participants of the evening.

9) Concert program: quizzes, creative numbers.

10) Announcement by the hosts and the performance of the French dance called Padekatr.

11) Historical information about the polka dance. The performance of its participants ball.

12) Conducting games, contests.

13) The wishes of the participants Sretensky ball to the organizers.

14) The farewell waltz.

Presented program SretenskyBala is approximate. If desired, it can be supplemented with additional sweepstakes and other entertainment activities. However, the dances presented in the script are mandatory for the participants to perform.

When will the next Sretensky Ball take place?

In many cities of the Russian FederationBalls in honor of the celebration of the Presentation of the Lord and the Day of Orthodox Youth has become a good tradition. Often not only members of the public movement are interested in their organization, but also the city administration. The Candlemas balls are called to educate young people in accordance with the good traditions of the Russian Orthodox Church. Anyone can participate in the event, regardless of whether they are participants in the movement.

When should the next Sretensky take place?Ball of Orthodox youth? The date of the holiday remains unchanged: annually on February 15. But, at the request of the participants of the event, in connection with study or work, the ball can be postponed to the nearest day off.

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