Elista, September 23, 2024.
On September 22, 2024, with the blessing of Archbishop Justinian of Elista and Kalmyk, Grandparents' Day was celebrated for the first time in the churches of the Elista Diocese, timed to coincide with the memory of Saints Joachim and Anna, reports diocese website.
The Kazan Cathedral of the city of Elista became the central venue of the diocesan holiday.
After the Liturgy and prayer to the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary on the cathedral square there was a concert and a ceremony honoring grandparents of Sunday school students.
Archbishop Justinian presented gifts to the grandparents of the pupils and noted the uniqueness of their role in the spiritual education of children.
The musical part of the event included performances of Russian song ensemble "Stepnyanochka", Honored Artist of Kalmykia Angelina Serova and artist Alexander Vodorezov Stavropol. Stavropol.
The exemplary children's and youth choir "Joy" of the Sunday school of the Kazan Cathedral of Elista performed the song "Grandmother's Day".
A mock quiz titled "How to be a tutor for your grandchild" was held among the audience.
Children recited poems about honoring elders, family, and love for grandparents.
The Ruling Hierarch thanked all the participants of the holiday and expressed hope that the tradition of celebrating Grandparents' Day on the day of the memory of Saints Joachim and Anna will be included in parish life: "Our grandparents have always been able to combine the important things: to go to the temple, do the house and grandchildren. And we all feel the most sincere love and gratitude to them. But in our Fatherland there is not yet an established holiday in honor of grandmothers and grandfathers, so we would like to start a tradition of honoring them on the day of Righteous Joachim and Anna - the grandparents of the Savior. And today we see that our church grandparents come to the temple with their children and grandchildren, not separating from their families, but passing on the faith to the next generations along with their love and care. May God keep all grandparents in good health for many and good years, and rest the souls of the deceased in His Kingdom!".
