Calls to ban Halloween celebrations in schools in Russia

[Jman123]

http://russian-faith.com/trends/pro-christian-lawmaker-wants-ban-halloween-russian-schools-n1178

A Russian Lower House MP known for his pro-Christian and anti-gay stance has proposed an official ban on Halloween celebrations in schools and kindergartens. Vitaly Milonov addressed the proposal to the Education Ministry.

In his letter to Education Minister Olga Vasilyeva,  Milonov wrote that in his view celebrations of Halloween by kids were unacceptable "both from the point of view of studying and upbringing and the position of spirituality and morals."

He also wrote that the necessity to shield children from the "decaying and negative influence of Halloween" was long overdue. He concluded the letter with a call for a nationwide ban on Halloween celebrations in primary schools and kindergartens.

Milonov also noted that in his opinion the ministry should explain to teachers "the real meaning of Halloween and its consequences for children" which he described as "the most powerful psychophysical, emotional and suggestive influence."

The Education Ministry's press service issued a reply to Milonov's letter in which it said that Halloween is not on the list of holidays and memorial dates officially recommended to schools.

Russian politicians and activists at both regional and federal levels routinely address the topic of Halloween, as its popularity in the country has increased – largely through marketing events.

For example, in 2014 members of the Russian Public Chamber asked the government to issue an official recommendation for businessmen to abstain from Halloween celebrations, saying that horror-themed parties "induce lowly feelings," and "turn into orgies."

In 2013 an official representative of the Russian Orthodox Church, Vsevolod Chaplin, called Halloween dangerous.

"At first, people play with the evil spirit as a joke, but then they begin to play seriously with these things. This leads to serious problems: sickness, sadness, and despair,"

---Chaplin was quoted as saying by the popular news site Lifenews.
In the same year the Education Ministry in the Omsk region sent letters to local state schools telling them to take measures to curb any events marking Halloween on the grounds it "promotes extremism" and a "death cult" that can harm the moral health of children.

[Maximilian]

Why is it always Russia?

[Lambda Phage]

And why is it always Jman123?

[Kephapaulos]

That's very interesting. Either this Communist manner of control is working inadvertently and ironically for the common good disposed to the conversion of Russia through the triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, or it is simply the same tactic used for some future nefarious purpose. 

It's too bad Pius XII suppressed the Vigil of All Saints. I understand the issues of the calendar in the fifties, but why that vigil? It would have been good to keep it to counter the demonic influence imposed upon Halloween today. At least some traditional chapels have it that use the pre-55 Missal.

[Greg]

In what sense is it communist?

[ÆneasQuébécois]

I probably will get some flack for saying this, but I love Russia. I completely agree with Deputy Milonov. The cult of death, darkness and black magic surrounding Halloween has always disturbed me, and I have not celebrated it for a long time. I really do not see how Christians can participate in a holiday which, in addition to glorifying evil, often seems to turn into great opportunities for drunken debauchery. Of course, this is not intended as a condemnation of anyone here who chooses to celebrate Halloween, but I fell that, given it is the eve of All Hallows' Day, as well as a day of mourning for the Lutheran heresy, there are a number of holier things we should be doing.     

[Lambda Phage]

I'm guessing this discussion takes place every year.

Halloween is a Catholic holiday and thoroughly imbued with ancient western traditions. Given that, it is not surprising that a nation which suppresses Catholicism and hates the west wants to ban it. Historically speaking it is quite protestant to not celebrate it. Many of our western ancestors were celebrating Halloween long before Vatican II.

[Heinrich]

And why is it always Jman123?

And why do you pop in every three months with cynicism?

[Heinrich]

I probably will get some flack for saying this, but I love Russia. I completely agree with Deputy Milonov. The cult of death, darkness and black magic surrounding Halloween has always disturbed me, and I have not celebrated it for a long time. I really do not see how Christians can participate in a holiday which, in addition to glorifying evil, often seems to turn into great opportunities for drunken debauchery. Of course, this is not intended as a condemnation of anyone here who chooses to celebrate Halloween, but I fell that, given it is the eve of All Hallows' Day, as well as a day of mourning for the Lutheran heresy, there are a number of holier things we should be doing.   

Please stick around.

Gardener, can you please make a forum bodyguard meme crest?

[martin88nyc]

I'm guessing this discussion takes place every year.

Halloween is a Catholic holiday and thoroughly imbued with ancient western traditions. Given that, it is not surprising that a nation which suppresses Catholicism and hates the west wants to ban it. Historically speaking it is quite protestant to not celebrate it. Many of our western ancestors were celebrating Halloween long before Vatican II.

Yes and no. Halloween as we know it today is a secular holiday with pagan elements. It has been hijacked by the secular commercialism. "All Hallow's Eve" is the proper name and "Halloween" is a slang term.

[Kephapaulos]

In what sense is it communist?

Well, if it is not actually Communist, the ruling is like that of the governmental control aspect of Communism.

[martin88nyc]

In what sense is it communist?

Well, if it is not actually Communist, the ruling is like that of the governmental control aspect of Communism.

Why do we always have to pick on Russia. Everything shows that this country is getting more and more Christian while west is becoming secular and pagan.

[Greg]

In what sense is it communist?

Well, if it is not actually Communist, the ruling is like that of the governmental control aspect of Communism.

Or Tsarism.

When was Russia NOT like that?

[ÆneasQuébécois]

I probably will get some flack for saying this, but I love Russia. I completely agree with Deputy Milonov. The cult of death, darkness and black magic surrounding Halloween has always disturbed me, and I have not celebrated it for a long time. I really do not see how Christians can participate in a holiday which, in addition to glorifying evil, often seems to turn into great opportunities for drunken debauchery. Of course, this is not intended as a condemnation of anyone here who chooses to celebrate Halloween, but I fell that, given it is the eve of All Hallows' Day, as well as a day of mourning for the Lutheran heresy, there are a number of holier things we should be doing.   

Please stick around.

Gardener, can you please make a forum bodyguard meme crest?

A forum bodyguard meme crest?

[TradGranny]

I'm guessing this discussion takes place every year.

Halloween is a Catholic holiday and thoroughly imbued with ancient western traditions. Given that, it is not surprising that a nation which suppresses Catholicism and hates the west wants to ban it. Historically speaking it is quite protestant to not celebrate it. Many of our western ancestors were celebrating Halloween long before Vatican II.

Maybe you haven't noticed, but halloween has been totally co-opted by satan-worshippers. It is quite Catholic to celebrate All Saints Day and to pray for the dead on All Souls Day. There is nothing Catholic about dressing up in evil and/or immodest clothing, nor is there anything Catholic about dressing up in other costumes and demanding candy.