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- The last memorial day in 2025 has been named: a complete list of rituals at the cemetery and at home
The last memorial day in 2025 has been named: a complete list of rituals at the cemetery and at home
In 2025, the last memorial day awaits Orthodox Christians at the end of autumn is St. Demetrius' Parents' Saturday, which falls on November 1. This day is traditionally celebrated by the Orthodox Church as a time of commemoration of the dead, especially the soldiers who fell in the Battle of Kulikovo — it was in memory of them that this holiday appeared. On St. Demetrius' Parents' Saturday, believers visit churches and go to cemeteries or commemorate their loved ones at home. For more information about the traditions and rituals associated with the Dimitrievsky Parental Saturday, see the Izvestia article.
When and how is St. Dimitri's Parents' Saturday celebrated
St. Demetrius Parents' Saturday is celebrated on the eve of the memorial Day of the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica, which falls on November 8. In 2025, this day falls on November 1st. On this day, Orthodox Christians remember all the deceased, especially the soldiers who fell in the Battle of Kulikovo.
The main rituals in the cemetery
On the morning of St. Demetrius' Parents' Saturday, believers visit the church, where a funeral liturgy and a memorial service are held — a special prayer for the souls of the dead. Believers present notes with the names of their relatives, order memorial services and place candles in memory of the deceased.
After the service, the faithful go to the cemetery to put the graves of their loved ones in order. It is customary to remove garbage and renovate fences, you can plant flowers and light candles for the winter. This is a manifestation of care and respect for the memory of the deceased.
It is customary to read short prayers or psalms at the grave: "Eternal memory, O Lord, to Your departed servant (name)." You can take a prayer book with you at home or just cordially ask God to forgive the deceased all his sins. Prayer for the dead is the main way to help the souls of the dead so that they can enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
Rituals at home
After visiting the cemetery, believers gather at home or elsewhere to have a memorial meal. The main dish on the memorial table is kutya. The basis for its preparation can be different types of cereals (for example, wheat or barley). They need to be cooked so that the grains remain whole, but at the same time they are soft. You can add honey, nuts, and dried fruits to the finished cereal. Kutia is a symbol of resurrection from the dead.
In addition to kutia, pancakes, jelly, syta (honey with water) and other traditional dishes can be served on the memorial table. The food on the table should be simple, without frills. The setting is ordinary, with dishes of a calm range. The memorial table can be decorated with branches of spruce, cranberries, myrtle, and a black mourning ribbon. The tablecloth is plain, not necessarily white, but more often in muted tones. It can be decorated with a black ribbon around the edges.
What not to do on St. Dimitri's Parents' Saturday
The church forbids drinking alcohol in the cemetery: it is considered a great sin and disregard for the dead. It is not necessary to leave food on graves — this is a pagan tradition that has nothing to do with Orthodox teaching. A memorial meal should be held at home or in another place, rather than in a cemetery, and such a meal should not be too noisy.
The day should be spent quietly, in prayer and household chores.
Omens on St. Dimitri's Parents' Saturday
If frosts come on the day of Dimitrievsky parental Saturday, this portends a lean year. If the sky is purple in the morning, wind and rain are expected. To meet rooks on this day is for a warm and sunny summer. A rainy day is good news.
In addition, to wash your face with rainwater on St. Dimitri's Parents' Saturday is to gain beauty and health for many years to come.
St. Michael's Parents' Saturday is not well-known to everyone
There is another November memorial day in the church calendar — St. Michael's Parents' Saturday. In 2025, it falls on November 15th. This day, although not included in the official church calendar, is important for Orthodox believers, especially in southern Russia, Belarus and Bulgaria. It is dedicated to the memory of the deceased, especially the soldiers who fell in the struggle for faith, tsar and Fatherland.
St. Michael's Parents' Saturday is celebrated on the eve of the Cathedral of Archangel Michael and other Celestial Bodiless Forces, which falls on November 21. On this day, believers express their love and gratitude to their departed loved ones, observing traditions and rituals aimed at maintaining a spiritual connection with the deceased.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
