Orthodox christians celebrate Lovers' Day

July 8th is a Lovers' Day for Orthodox believers. On this day, Russian believers revere Sts. Peter and Fevronia, the protectors of love and fidelity in Russian Orthodox belief. The romantic story of the mutual love of this married couple is described in detail in an ancient Russian writing called "The Tale of Peter and Fevronia." According to the Tale, the couple reigned in Murom, Central Russia in the late 12th - early 13th centuries. They lived happily and died on the same day.

About 300 years on, in the 16th century, they were canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church. The Orthodox Lovers' Day has little in common with the romantic Valentine's Day as celebrated by the Catholics on February 14th.

According to Orthodox tradition, no presents are given on this day, nor are lovers expected to have candlelit dinners. Instead, Orthodox Christians visit church to pray for big love or a harmonious married life.