Soon all over Russia Sretensky balls will take place. But not all people know what kind of event it is, how often it is held and what is the history of the holiday. On the eve of the next Sretensky Ball, it's time to get to know this good Orthodox tradition.
When and where are Sretensky balls held?
Sretensky balls are held annually in different cities of the Russian Federation. 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 Meeting of the Lord, from which the name of the ball comes. The second holiday is World Orthodox Youth Day, formed more than 50 years ago.
Sretensky ball can be organized in any city in Russia and even in the world where there are active dioceses of the Russian Orthodox Church. Typically, such events are held in local district houses or cultural centers. Sretensky balls have become a good tradition in such cities of Russia as Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Chelyabinsk, Murmansk.
Meeting of the Lord
Holding the Sretensky Ball is inextricably linked with one of the twelve most important church holidays - the Presentation 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."
The Meeting of the Lord was first mentioned during worship in the Church of Jerusalem in the 4th century. The very 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 Present is not associated with balls or other entertainment events. The tradition of their conduct appeared in modern Orthodox society much later.
World Orthodox Youth Day: the history of the holiday
World Orthodox Youth Day has been celebrated since 1953. The celebration was preceded by the First General Assembly of the Syndesmos World Orthodox Youth Movement. This public church organization began its work in France in 1952. The main purpose of her education is to serve the church and establish close ties between Orthodox youth in different countries. Today, more than a hundred organizations from 40 countries take part in the social movement.
On this day, February 15, Orthodox youth all over the world hold meetings with clergy, visit hospitals, arrange concerts with dancing and live music, organize sports competitions, contests, and games. During these events, as a rule, problems of the attitude of the younger generation to the Orthodox faith are discussed.
Sretensky balls in modern Russia
In Russia, the tradition of holding Sretensky balls on February 15 appeared thanks to His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II. In 2002, he issued a regulation establishing the Russian Orthodox Youth Day. At the same time, the public organization "All-Russian Orthodox Youth Movement" was created.
Every year, on the day when the church celebrates the Presentation of the Lord, and on the eve of the holiday, Orthodox youth in different parts of Russia organize conferences, congresses, religious processions and other special events. The main event of the evening is the Sretensky Ball. The youth of the city, members of the Orthodox social movement, are directly involved in its organization.
Sample scenario of the Sretensky ball
The key to success of any holiday event is to write a competent script. Without it, even an Orthodox ball can turn out to be an unorganized booth.
An example scenario of the Sretensky ball for youth is as follows:
1) Opening remarks by the hosts of the evening, in which you 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 everyday life in 2002. Particularly popular was the Sretensky Ball, dedicated to the Orthodox Youth Day.
2) Invitation of participants to the first dance. By tradition it is a polonaise. Polish dance procession at a moderate pace opens the evening.
3) Presenters present to the guests the organizers, sponsors and participants of the ball.
4) Some information about the second dance of the evening - a waltz.
5) Waltz performed by dancing couples.
6) Concert program: performance of musicians, 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 presenters and the performance of the French dance called the Padecatre.
11) Historical information about the dance polka. Performance by the participants of the ball.
12) Carrying out games, competitions.
13) Wishes of the participants of the Sretensky Ball to the organizers.
14) Farewell waltz.
The presented program of the Sretensky Ball is an example. If desired, it can be supplemented with additional raffles and other recreational activities. However, the dances presented in the script are binding on the participants.
When will the next Sretensky Ball take place?
In many cities of the Russian Federation, holding balls in honor of the celebration of the Presentation of the Lord and Orthodox Youth Day has already become a good tradition. Often, not only participants in the social movement, but also the city administration are interested in their organization. Sretensky balls are designed to educate young people in accordance with the good traditions of the Russian Orthodox Church. Everyone can participate in the event, regardless of whether they are participants in the movement.
When should the next Sretensky Ball of Orthodox Youth take place? 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 moved to the next day off.
Sretensky ball is a revival of Russian traditions and the formation of Orthodox spirituality among young people in modern society.