The article deals with the problems and concepts of patriotism in Russia, its origins, philosophy and its importance in the contemporary situation in Russia, when the new Post-Communist state redefines and creates new ideology. The reasons to foster patriotism in modern Russia are analysed with great precision and the theoretical basis of Russian patriotism (before 1917) as well as Soviet and modern Post- Soviet patriotism concepts are explored in detail (historical parallels with some European developments are of considerable interest here). The second part of the article is devoted to the contemporary patriotism theories and “practices”, especially to those in the field of education. A profound outlook is provided not only on the ideology, or rather, ideologies gradually replacing “Soviet patriotism”, but also on the mechanisms of their practical realisation.