Penza, 8 July 2015. PenzaNews. The Penza city officials held an official award ceremony of civil medals “For Love and Faithfulness” on Wednesday, July 8, at the Belinsky Central Park, dedicated to the celebration of Day of Family, Love and Faithfulness.

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The event began with lighting the sanctified flame by the icons of Saint Peter and Saint Fevronia of Murom, the Orthodox patrons of marriage.

Among the official guests of the celebration were Ivan Belozertsev, acting governor of the Penza region; Valery Lidin, acting chairman of the regional Legislative Assembly; and Victor Kuvaytsev, head of Penza city.

Ivan Belozertsev was the first to address the public with a speech.

“A family is a social, economic, cultural, moral unit of our society. The family generates love, the family birthes new children, the family creates all the conditions to give them good moral and educational upbringing,” he said.

According to the head of the region, the growing numbers of divorces over the last few years is a tragedy, both for the couples and their relatives and children alike.

“To live one’s life well, to go through all tough times on one’s path is possible only together with a beloved, with one’s family, with one’s children,” Ivan Belozertsev stressed.

Those families attending the event who remain together for over 25 years managed to do so only through supporting and helping one another, he added.

“Through their example, they show the young people how they should live, love, support each other, and the outcome of such actions,” said the acting governor.

Afterwards, 70 families who remained in marriage for over a quarter of the century and brought up great children received medals and certificates.

A festive concert for the guests of the event followed the ceremony.