🇷🇺 РУССКОЯЗЫЧНАЯ ВЕРСИЯ | 🇷🇺 RUSSIAN-LANGUAGE VERSION
Thanksgiving Day is a North American holiday, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States and on the second Monday of October in Canada. This day marks the beginning of the holiday season, which encompasses Christmas and continues through the New Year.
For Christians — particularly Protestants, the Orthodox Christians, and Catholics in the United States — it is not merely a «turkey holiday,» but a day of giving thanks to God for everything He has bestowed: life, family, daily bread, and salvation.
In 1620–1621, English Puritans — people who sought to live according to the Scriptures and worship freely — arrived aboard the ship «Mayflower». Half of them perished from starvation and disease during that first winter. In the spring of 1621, God sent them aid through a Native American named Squanto (whom the Native Americans themselves regarded as a miracle, for he spoke English and taught the colonists how to plant corn and catch fish).
In the autumn of 1621, having gathered their first harvest, Governor William Bradford proclaimed three days of thanksgiving to God. They read psalms, prayed, sang, and held a feast together with the Wampanoag Native Americans. This is what Bradford himself wrote: «We give thanks to the Lord for His mercy and protection… may His name be glorified forever.»
This is, in fact, the very first American Thanksgiving — a Christian harvest festival modeled after the Old Testament (Lev. 23:39–43 — the Feast of Tabernacles).
How This Holiday Became A National One
1789 — George Washington proclaims the first nationwide day of thanksgiving to God for America’s independence.
1863 — During the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln establishes an annual Thanksgiving Day on the last (later the fourth) Thursday of November, so that the nation might pray and give thanks to God, even amidst tears.
1941 — The U.S. Congress officially codifies the date.
What Happens Today
In the morning, many families attend a special Thanksgiving service at church.
Before the meal, a prayer is recited, or Psalms 99 and 135 («Bless the Lord, all His works») are read.
At the table, it is common for everyone to take turns sharing what they are personally thankful to God for this year.
Churches collect food and money for the poor — because «giving thanks to God without deeds is empty words» (James 2:14–17).
The Main Food And Its Meaning
Turkey is a symbol of the abundance bestowed by the Lord.
Corn, pumpkin, and cranberries are what the new land yielded through God’s grace.
Pumpkin pie is a reminder of the simple bounty of the earth.
Why This Day Is Important for Christians
Giving thanks to God is not a once-a-year event, but a daily one.
Yet Thanksgiving is like a great family prayer service for the entire nation — a time when millions of people say in unison: «Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name!» (Psalm 102:1)
So, if you are a Christian — wherever you may live — November 27th is a wonderful opportunity to gather your loved ones, read a psalm together, and give thanks to God for everything: both for your daily bread and for eternal life in Christ.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!
🇷🇺 РУССКОЯЗЫЧНАЯ ВЕРСИЯ | 🇷🇺 RUSSIAN-LANGUAGE VERSION
References
- My original note in my Russian-speaking community group in Philadelphia: link
- My original note in the Orthodox Church Of Our Lady Joy Of All In Sorrow (Православный Храм Пресвятой Богородицы Всех Скорбящих Радосте) group in Philadelphia: link
- My original note in the patron group of Mikhail Svetov and «SVTV News»: link
- Date of publication of my original note: November 27, 2025
- Date of publication of this post on my website: May 6, 2026
- The image of the painting called «The First Thanksgiving» is available under a public domain license
- The photograph of a table laden with food and drinks for Thanksgiving is available under a CC BY 2.0 license
- The image of Massasoit and Governor John Carver smoking the peace pipe is available under a public domain license
- The photograph of a Pilgrim statue in Philadelphia is available under a CC0 1.0 license
- The image of the painting «Uncle Sam’s Thanksgiving Dinner» is available under a public domain license
- The image of a painting depicting the first Thanksgiving in Plymouth is available under a public domain license
- The photograph of a Thanksgiving dinner attended by U.S. sailors and Marines is available under a public domain license
- The photograph of a Thanksgiving celebration for elementary school students in the U.S. is available under a public domain license
- The image of a Thanksgiving greeting card is available under a public domain license
