The existence of the cult in pre-Christian times is a hypothesis put forward as part of Boris Rybakov's interpretation of the ornamentation of archaeological artefacts.Шаблон:Sfn The cult of Perun was probably replaced by the cult of the prophet Elijah among the Kyivboyars in the process of Christianization of Rus. Elijah's Day, celebrated in Christian times on July 20, bore distinct features of ancient pagan cults, and it is presumed that it replaced the original festival in honor of the god of thunder Perun.Шаблон:Sfn In popular belief Elijah wields storm clouds to influence the fertility of the fields and uses lightning against demons and blasphemers.Шаблон:Sfn
The festival is celebrated on July 20 or 21Шаблон:Sfn by the neopagans in Poland within registered religious organizations,[1] as well as informal communities, and also in other Slavic countries, including Ukraine,[2]Slovakia, and Russia, where in some groups of rodnovers this holiday is regarded as the most important of the year.Шаблон:Sfn During the festival there are games (sports competitions) in honor of Perun, during which participants compete in such disciplines as combat sports and tug-of-war.Шаблон:Sfn
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