Postcards and touching pictures with Radonitsa in 2025

In the Russian Orthodox tradition, Radonitsa, or Radunitsa, is the first church—wide commemoration of the dead after Easter. In 2024, the holiday is celebrated on Tuesday, May 14th. Izvestia tells about the history of this day and publishes a selection of heartfelt postcards with Radonitsa, which can be shared with loved ones.

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The Slavs had a tradition of holding memorial days back in the days of pagan Russia. Special feasts were held in memory of the deceased and their graves were visited. Our ancestors believed that after death, a person does not disappear forever, but enters the afterlife. The rite of remembrance helped the souls of the dead in another, new life.

Later, this ritual became an integral part of Orthodox culture. Despite the not at all joyful occasion, on Radonitsa, believers do not grieve over the passing of their loved ones, but share the joy of Easter with them. It is not for nothing that the holiday is also called "Easter for the Departed," and its very name comes from the word "joy."

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Every year, Radonitsa is celebrated on the ninth day after the Resurrection of Christ — on the Tuesday after St. Thomas Sunday, also called Krasnaya Hill. This is due to the fact that, according to church canons, commemoration is possible only at this time. Memorial services are not held throughout Easter Week.

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On Radonitsa, it is customary to share bright memories and say warm words about deceased relatives. As a rule, the day begins with a visit to the festive service. Then the believers go to the cemetery, where they clean up the graves, plant flowers and commemorate their loved ones. After that, it is customary to gather the whole family for a memorial dinner.

As on Easter, cakes and various delicious pastries are baked on the holiday. Kutia, pancakes and favorite dishes of the deceased are also traditionally prepared on this day. However, the most important thing on Radonitsa is not visiting the cemetery and a memorial meal, but prayer.

Before the meal, prayers are always recited for the Lord to forgive all the sins of the deceased and rest his soul. After the feast, the relatives remember the moments they spent together, thanking the deceased for his love and kindness, wishing him eternal life and the Kingdom of Heaven.

These moments help to feel a close connection with the departed, remind of such spiritual values as family ties and respect for ancestors.

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You can show your respect and reverence by sending short greetings in your own words or greeting cards and pictures. Here are some examples of what you can wish for on Radonitsa:

"Today, let's remember all those who were taken away by heaven. Their memory will always live in our hearts. Let us wish them peace and God's mercy! And to all of us, good health, long life and well—being. May this day be filled with only the brightest and kindest memories."

"On the bright holiday of Radonitsa, I want to wish you that your loved ones were always there, and those who are no longer around, protected and protected you from all troubles. May the Lord protect you and your family!"

"On Radonitsa, let's remember everyone who is dear to us and we love, but who is no longer with us. People are not given immortality, but our loved ones are alive as long as the memory of them lives. May it continue in our deeds, deeds and thoughts. After all, the love of the deceased for us is as eternal as their holy souls. Happy holidays!"

In the Orthodox calendar, there are also other days of commemoration of the deceased — Parental Saturdays. The traditions of their celebration are the same as on Radonitsa. You can remember your loved ones on any other day. However, the services that accompany memorial days are held only on Radonitsa and Parental Saturdays according to the church calendar.

The postcards were prepared by Izvestia using photos by Global Look Press, Dmitry Korotaev, Pavel Bednyakov, Kristina Kormilitsina and Alexander Polegenko.