The priest told about the real story of Prince Peter of Murom and his wife Fevronia.

Historical motifs, folklore, and the church's understanding of marriage as a spiritual union are intertwined in the biographies of Peter and Fevronia of Murom. It is this combination that distinguishes their image from other saints, making it a symbol of faithfulness and love in the Orthodox tradition. Philip Ilyashenko, vice-rector of St. Tikhon's Orthodox University for the Humanities, told Izvestia on June 24.

The priest noted that the main source of information about the Murom saints remains the "Tale of Peter and Fevronia of Murom," created in the 16th century by monk Ermolai (Erasmus) on behalf of Metropolitan Macarius. However, according to him, it cannot be perceived as a strictly historical document.

"The story is based on oral traditions and, probably, on local sources that have not reached us. Therefore, it can be assumed that the veneration of Peter and Fevronia arose long before the 16th century — shortly after their death, first in Murom, and then spread throughout Russia," said Ilyashenko.

He recalled that the plot of the legend begins with the illness of Prince Peter, who suffered from leprosy and could not find healing until it was revealed to him in a dream that Fevronia, a simple girl from the Ryazan land, could help him. She agreed to cure the prince on the condition that he marry her.

After the first healing, Peter broke his promise, and the disease returned. It was only when he turned to Fevronia again that he finally healed and married her, which caused the boyars to be displeased. They did not accept the princess and demanded that the prince choose another spouse.

"However, the prince chooses a different path — he renounces power and leaves Moore together with Fevronia. This act shows especially vividly the contrast between earthly and eternal values — power, status, and the value of true love and spiritual unity," the priest explained.

According to him, this episode is key to understanding his life: Peter consciously sacrifices his position for the sake of preserving his marriage, which in the church tradition is seen as a manifestation of genuine fidelity. The ending of their lives is also important.

"After the troubles began in the city, Peter and Fevronia returned. They ruled long and justly, staying together for the rest of their lives. At the end of the journey, they took monastic vows with the names David and Euphrosyne and prayed to God to die on the same day. This expresses the idea of their inseparable unity even in the face of death. What God has joined together, man cannot separate," Ilyashenko said.

The priest stressed that the holiday of the Day of Family, Love and Fidelity, which is celebrated in Russia on July 8 on the day of the memory of the Murom saints, is based not on external symbols, but on the deep spiritual meaning of their union as a model of marriage based on fidelity, sacrifice and mutual support.