European Foundation for Slavic Script and Culture

Ivan Aivazovsky was born in Feodosia on July 28, 1817, in the family of an Armenian merchant Aivazyan (Gaivazovsky), and was baptized under the name Hovhannes (the Armenian form of the name "John"). The family was not wealthy, and the artist's father had to work hard. The boy clearly grew up talented: he even learned to play the violin on his own. His artistic abilities were also evident. 

Jaroslav Alexandrovich Galan was a Ukrainian Soviet writer, journalist, public and political figure. Jaroslav Galan was born on July 27, 1902, in Dynow (now in Poland) to a family of an official. During World War I, he evacuated with his family to Rostov-on-Don, and after the war, he returned to his homeland. In 1923, he graduated from the gymnasium in Przemysl and studied at the Higher School of Commerce in Trieste, Italy. From 1923 to 1928, he received higher education at the Universities of Vienna and Krakow. 

Vladimir Vysotsky was born on January 25, 1938, in Moscow Maternity Hospital No. 8 on Third Meshchanskaya Street (now Schepkina Street, building 61/2; the building belongs to the MONIKI named after M.F. Vladimirsky, with a plaque marking the poet's birthplace). In his early childhood, the future musician lived in a communal apartment at 1st Meshchanskaya Street, 126 (in 1955, this house was demolished, and a new one was built in its place). 

Vasily Makarovich Shukshin was born on July 25, 1929, into a peasant family in the village of Srostki, Altai Krai. His father, Makar Leontievich (1912–1933), was arrested and executed by decision of a special troika in April 1933 when Vasily was not yet four years old. The boy's upbringing was taken over by his grandfather Leonty Pavlovich Shukshin (1882–1960) and his mother Maria Sergeevna (1909–1979), and later by his stepfather Pavel Nikolaevich Kuksin (1905–1942), who died at the front.

Alexandre Dumas (father) was a French writer, playwright, and journalist. He is the author of numerous novels, including "The Count of Monte Cristo" and "The Three Musketeers." His works are considered world classics. Alexandre Dumas was born on July 24, 1802, into the family of a cavalry general of Napoleon's army. 

The Feast of Peter and Paul, also known as the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, is celebrated on July 12 in the Orthodox and Catholic Churches. This feast is dedicated to the memory of two of the greatest apostles, Peter and Paul, who played key roles in spreading Christianity and establishing the early church.