Festivities are taking place all over the country, as citizens celebrate the national holiday of family, love and faithfulness.

Family Day is one of Russia’s youngest state holidays. It was set up in 2008 at the initiative of Svetlana Medvedeva, the wife of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.

The newborn holiday is a Russian alternative to St. Valentine’s Day, which is largely considered “Western” and “Catholic.” Instead of proclaiming the dominance of romantic love, Family Day is aimed at strengthening family ties, promoting moral values and preaching the value of marriage.

The holiday is celebrated on the day the Russian Orthodox Church commemorates St. Peter and Fevroniya of Murom, actual characters from an early 13th-century chronicle.

As legend has it, Peter and Fevroniya took monastic vows when they grew old and lived in different monasteries, but died on the same day and at the same hour.

They asked to be buried together, but the church did not allow that, so the couple was put in different caskets and even in different monasteries.Then, a miracle happened: On the day after the burial, the bodies were in one casket. Three hundred years later, the Russian Orthodox Church canonized Peter and Fevroniya as saints.

Many couples choose this day for their wedding, as they believe the saints will protect their families.

Now the holiday is widely celebrated across Russia. While clergymen hold services across the country and preach for strong family bonds, high-ranking officials issue state awards to families that have demonstrated their love and faithfulness. Over 5,300 such medals will be issued this year.

“Although the holiday has a Christian history, it is supported and celebrated by all Russian religions,” said Svetlana Medvedeva. “At all times, Russia has highly valued marriage, faithfulness, caring for children and the elderly.”

The city of Murom, where the saints are buried, is traditionally the heart of the celebrations. Hundreds of people flock to the nearby monastery to pray that Peter and Fevroniya will help them solve their family problems, bestow upon them children and keep their beloved in good health.

Visitors can also take part in a fair of Russian crafts or participate in traditional wedding ceremonies.

Even foreign states are adopting the beautiful tradition – no less than 15 countries around the world will take part in this year’s celebrations.