Traditional Russian spiritual and moral values: from the foundations of worldview to patriotism and heroism

The relevance of this research is determined by the increasing role of traditional spiritual and moral values in shaping national identity and ensuring the sovereignty of the Russian Federation amidst contemporary geopolitical challenges. In the context of global transformations and attempts to undermine Russia's historical experience, an objective understanding of the genesis and evolution of domestic values, and their role in social consolidation and state-building, represents a key scientific and practical task. Generalizing the historical experience of the formation of spiritual and moral values and their influence on the worldview of citizens allows for the articulation of the authors' position on the stated topic. The purpose of the research is to provide a scientific assessment of the historical process of the formation and consolidation of traditional Russian spiritual and moral values, and to analyze their significance in the context of modern challenges. Objectives: Identify and systematize the key values mentioned in Presidential Decree of the Russian Federation No. 809 of November 9, 2022; trace their historical continuity from Ancient Rus' to the present day; reveal the interrelationship between values, worldview, patriotism, and heroism. Methodology. The research is based on the fundamental principles of objectivity, historicism, and a systemic approach. The work utilized a complex of complementary general scientific and special historical methods, including problem-chronological and retrospective analysis. The application of this set of methods allowed for the depiction of the multifaceted nature of spiritual and moral values, their dynamics, and their influence on various spheres of Russian society's life throughout centuries. Results. The article reveals the historically determined nature of traditional Russian spiritual and moral values, proving their inseparable connection with Russia's civilizational code. It demonstrates how values such as life, dignity, justice, family, labor, collectivism, historical memory, civic consciousness, patriotism, and heroism were forged in the crucible of Russia's complex history and served as a foundation for the state's survival and development. Based on extensive factual material, including examples from the Great Patriotic War, an assessment is given of the manifestation of these values in extreme conditions. Conclusions. Traditional Russian spiritual and moral values are not an imported construct but an organic part of Russia's historical development and its civilizational identity. They serve as a powerful factor in consolidating society, forming national self-awareness, and ensuring the strategic stability of the state. The actualization and deep scientific understanding of these values in the face of contemporary challenges is a key direction for further interdisciplinary research that contributes to strengthening the foundations of Russian statehood.