On January 30, the world observes NASA's Day of Remembrance, School Day of Nonviolence, and the Feast of the Three Saints.

On January 30, the world commemorates several significant events: the School Day of Non-Violence and Peace, NASA honors the memory of astronauts, and the Day of the Specialist in Military-Social Management of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. UNN will tell you about each of these celebrations.

January 30 is celebrated in many countries as the School Day of Non-Violence and Peace—a day dedicated to teaching children the values of tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and conflict resolution without aggression. It was established in 1964 by Spanish poet and educator Lorenzo Vidal. The date is significant as it marks the day Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated, who became a symbol of non-violent resistance and the fight for justice.

In schools, this day is observed in various ways, but the main idea remains unchanged—to teach children to respect one another and seek paths to achieve peace without violence. Students often prepare posters with quotes about peace, create symbolic drawings, participate in flash mobs, or engage in charitable activities. Teachers conduct special lessons to discuss outstanding figures who changed the world without aggression—such as Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and the Dalai Lama. Children may watch films, read books, or even stage stories that promote kindness and mutual understanding.

Often on this day, students release white balloons into the sky or make paper doves, which symbolize peace. Some organize charitable events, assist those in need, or plant trees, which also serve as a unique symbol of peace and life.

In Ukraine, January 30 is recognized as the Day of the Specialist in Military-Social Management of the Armed Forces of Ukraine—a professional holiday celebrated by specialists responsible for the social support of military personnel and their families. Their work encompasses a wide range of tasks: from psychological assistance and the adaptation of soldiers after combat to organizing social payments, legal protection, and support for the families of fallen heroes.

The significance of this profession has increased since the onset of the war, when the need for psychological assistance and social rehabilitation became urgent. Military-social specialists support soldiers not only during their service but also after they return to civilian life, helping them find employment, access social guarantees, and cope with the effects of combat stress.

Every year on the fourth Thursday of January, NASA honors the memory of astronauts who lost their lives while carrying out their missions. This day is dedicated to the crews of Apollo 1, Challenger, and Columbia, as well as other agency personnel who gave their lives for space exploration.

One of the earliest tragedies occurred in 1967 with the fire aboard Apollo 1. During a ground test, a fire broke out in the spacecraft cabin, and three astronauts—Virgil Grissom, Edward White, and Roger B. Chaffee—could not escape. Nineteen years later, the world witnessed the explosion of the Challenger shuttle, which disintegrated 73 seconds into its flight, claiming the lives of seven crew members. Another major disaster occurred in 2003 when Columbia disintegrated upon re-entry to Earth due to damaged thermal protection, resulting in the deaths of all seven astronauts.

On this day, ceremonies are held at NASA's space centers to honor the fallen. Wreaths are laid at memorials, and agency staff remember their colleagues who did not return from their missions. A moment of silence is observed to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the pursuit of the unknown.

The Feast of the Three Saints is an Orthodox holiday celebrated on January 30 (new calendar) or January 17 (old calendar). It is dedicated to honoring three great saints: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom.

The History of the Holiday

This holiday originated in the 11th century in Byzantium. At that time, there were disputes among the faithful regarding which of the three great saints was the most outstanding. Some believed that Basil the Great made the greatest contribution, revered for his strictness and teachings on asceticism. Others highly valued Gregory the Theologian for his theological works, while some faithful preferred John Chrysostom for his wise sermons.

To put an end to the disputes, the Metropolitan of Constantinople, John, declared in 1084 that all three saints are equal before God. It was after this that the Feast of the Three Saints was established to reconcile Christians and remind them of the unity of faith.

What to Do on This Day?

- Attend church services and pray before the icons of the saints.

- Read prayers and spiritual texts, especially the sermons and works of these three saints.

- Help others and engage in charitable activities.

What Not to Do?

- Engage in conflicts or quarrels, as the holiday symbolizes unity.

- Perform heavy physical labor, especially related to construction or sewing.

- Consume alcohol or overeat, as the saints preached moderation.

This day serves as a reminder of the wisdom and spiritual strength of the Christian faith, teaching respect for the legacy of the great saints and striving for harmony and peace.