KRASNODAR, October 25 (Itar-Tass) —The science and education ministry of the Krasnodar region in the south of Russia has circulated recommendations issued to educational establishments urging not to celebrate Halloween at schools.
The specific elements of Halloween celebrations might have negative impact on mental condition of schoolchildren and they contradict a secular style of education at schools, the ministry said.
Representatives of the Orthodox church have approved the ministry’s recommendations and criticized "an onslaught on traditional values and morals standards" practiced nowadays. “The values, ideals and moral standards are being ousted by alien destructive life principles. One the example is a regular celebration of Halloween, which is effectively promoted in recent years,” said Archimandrite Trifon -head of a public relations department of the Yekaterinodar and Kuban Diocese.
"The cult of the devil and death domineering in the Halloween celebrations is reflected in exterior attributes, the atmosphere of the place where it is conducted, costumes, music and meaning of Halloween entertainments which are often accompanied by acts of blasphemy against traditional religious confessions," the Diocese said.
"Children who take part in such events often suffer from dark phobia and loneliness, feel depressed, are inclined to suicide and suffer from other psychic disorders. A child might return from the "merry Halloween” looking pleased and joyful, but in a short while problems will arise, which will be serious and long," the clergy warned in a statement released on the website of the Yekaterinodar and Kuban Diocese.