«Then he saw that they were intractable, he had hatred for the Christian priests. People were sent to Kiev and it was ordered, «Burn and destroy all the Christian churches and temples in Kiev.» And later he went himself to Kiev, wanting all Christians to be killed. So let it be.» Thus in 980, Sviatoslav's people destroyed the churches and placed representations of the pagan Gods on its remains.
Perun's Day
Cherven (July) 20
This is the holiday on which the Great God of Thunder, Perun, is celebrated. On this day human sacrifices (the slaying of a man or woman for God), were made on 12th of Cherven (July). At that time, a bull was also sacrificed and people feasted on the animal. The King and the Volhvs organized a spectacular fete with plays and much merry-making. «In the year 6491, the old men would make the decision; «Cast lots on a boy and a girl.
Destiny will decide who will be sacrificed.» There was a Varagian Christian who had a son. The lot [for sacrifice] fell on his son.» (From Povest Vremeniih Let [The Tale of Years Past])
Harvest Holiday
Serpen (August) 7
This is a holiday of bread, a holiday of the harvest. In the fields people cease their reaping in honor of Volos's beard. Thanks are brought to Volos and to Mother Earth in gratitude for a large harvest.
Sproshinki
Serpen (August) 15
This is an agricultural holiday celebrating the end of haymaking. People have a good time, feasting, boxing, and much more.
The Day of Remembrance for the Pagan People of Novgorod
Ruen (September) 3
«When the people of Novgorod were notified that Dobrinja wanted to Christianize them, they held a «Veche» (Thing) and decided to swear an oath: «Do not let Dobrinja into town. Do not let our idols be destroyed.»
Dobrinja sent word to them offering them silver, but the people refused him and would not let him enter the city.» The highest Volhv under the direction of a Slavic Pagan Priest, named Bogomil, (also known as Nightengale or «Solovey»), Voevoda Ugonay goes on to declare, went about the city on a horse, declaring with a loud voice: «Better for us to die than to let our Gods see disgrace.» However, Dobrinja prevaled and each of the idols were cast into the river and the wooden sculptures were incinerated. This, truly, was a day of great mourning and sadness for the Pagan People…» — Iokimovskaja Letopis
The events which happened on this day demonstrates all the «love» and essence of Christianity.
The Feast of Honor for Lada and Lela
Ruen (September) 8
This day Lada and Lela are honored because of the work in the fields has come to a close. A celebration is held with dancing and song. This marks the passing of Summer and its attendant warmth.
Svarog's Holiday
Ruen (September) 21
This is the Autumnal Equinox, the day of the God of Fire and the Sky.
This is the day to drink mead and honor Svarog.
AUTUMN
Day of the Ancients
Pasdernik (October) 26
This is the fourth day of commemoration/worship of the Ancient Ones in the year. This is also a day of remembrance for the warriors who were slain in the year 1380 on Kulikovskoe Field. Say a toast to the honor and glory of the Russian Heroes.
Makoshe's Holiday
Pasdernic (October) 25 to Gruden (November) 1
We celebrate this holiday on the Friday between October 25 and November 1. On this day we honor Mother Earth and give gratitude to her for her care and concern for us. The central icon for this feast is the vegetable.
Day of Remembrance for Volhvs
Gruden (November) 11
«At the time of Gleb Svatsolavich, a Volhv appeared… who went unto the people and told his story…A rebellion of great proportions occured in the town, and the people were set on killing the bishop. The townspeople became divided: Knjaz Gleb and his consort sided went with the bishop, but all the people sided with the Volhv.» — Tale of Years Past
The great rebellion in all the High Volga Region occured in Susdal in the year 1024. In 1071, two Wizards gave orders to the vast area from the Volga. «In the year 6735, (1227 C.E.), four Volhvs were immolated for their conjuring and working of magic. And God did this! They were all burned in Jaroslav's Court».
— First Novgordian Epistle
Day of Remembrance for Bogatir Svatogor
Studen (December) 3
The date refers back to the time of the Great Barrow Gulbishe and the first fight with Pechenegs. Awesome were the honors at the funeral for this great noble warrior. His implements and armor were gigantic, twice as large as the ordinary in size. Today, say a toast to this great warrior.
Glossariya
Knjaz: «King» of the Rus; the scandinavian anaolog — Konung
Drevlane (Drevlani), Krivichi, Vjatichi, Deregovichi: North Slavic tribes
Drugina: the cadre/comradship of the Knjaz's warriors
Volhv: a priest of Slavic Paganism; analogous to the scandinavian «Godhi»
Tsargrad: The Old Russian name for Constantinople
Navija: the spirit of one who died
Komoed: «Bear» in Old Russian
Rusalka: The Ancient Spirit of Rivers and Lakes
Voevoda: The highest warrior within the Drugina and their commander; analogous to the scandinavian «Jarl»
Bogatir: «Greatest Hero» in Old Russian