Myasopustnaya Saturday – 2026: how to properly commemorate the dead on February 14th
Myasopustnaya Parental Saturday is the main day of commemoration of all deceased Orthodox Christians before Lent. In 2026, this day falls on February 14th. On this date, believers pray not only for their relatives, but also for all deceased Christians. How to remember the dead correctly and which prayers to read — in the material of Izvestia.
When and why do they commemorate the dead on Myasopust Saturday
Myasopustnaya Ecumenical Saturday is celebrated a week before Lent, on the last Saturday of the meat eater. The date symbolizes the farewell to meat and the transition to spiritual purification. Commemoration of all the dead helps souls find peace and reminds the living of the frailty of life.
Special funeral services are held in churches on this day. The main goal is to express love for our ancestors through prayer and ask God for forgiveness of their sins.
Divine services on Myasopust Saturday
The commemoration begins on Friday evening. In Orthodox churches, a great memorial service is celebrated — a parastas with the reading of the names of the deceased. This is a solemn service where priests pray for all Orthodox Christians, regardless of the time of their death.
On Saturday morning, the funeral Divine Liturgy of John Chrysostom takes place, followed by a general memorial service. Believers submit notes with the names of baptized relatives.
If it is not possible to come to the temple, it is important to pray at home. The priests advise reading the canon "For the Many Departed" or a short prayer: "Rest, Lord, the souls of Your departed servants."
What to bring to the temple for commemoration
Candles are placed in temples on this day for the repose and food is brought for memorial offerings. Lean meals are allowed: bread, cereals (wheat, rice), vegetable oil, fruits, nuts and sweets. Meat and meat products are not served, as the meat meal precedes the fast.
After the service, food is distributed to those in need or used in the refectory. The notes are written on special forms with names in the genitive case. Prayer for the unbaptized and suicidal is served separately or read at home.
Candles are lit in front of the icons of All Saints or the Assumption of the Virgin. Their gorenje symbolizes the light of eternal life for the souls of the deceased.
How to clean and commemorate in the cemetery
After the Liturgy, the faithful usually go to the cemetery. They're cleaning up the trash and painting the fences. Lamps are lit, fresh flowers are laid and prayers are said at the cross.
It is important not to hold feasts and not to leave food on graves. The Orthodox Church classifies such customs as pagan.
Memorial table: what to cook and how to eat
At home, a modest table is served with an odd number of dishes — a sign of fullness of life. The main dish is kutya. It is a porridge made from whole grains (wheat, rice) with honey, raisins, nuts, and dried fruits. Lean pancakes, jelly, uzvar, cabbage or apple pies are placed next to it. Before the meal, they read a prayer and remember the deceased with a kind word.
Prayer for the deceased on Parental Saturday
"Lord, have mercy on the souls of deceased parents, relatives and all those close to us who have passed away. Grant them peace, light and peace in Your Kingdom. Forgive them their sins, mistakes, and weaknesses, and make their way easier in eternal life. May they be comforted by our remembrance and prayer, and grant eternal bliss and peace to their souls. Help us to keep their memory alive, to live with kindness, joy and love, so that the good deeds of our days may be a light for their souls. Lord, be with them and with us, grant us patience, humility and love for our neighbors. May the memory of our deceased relatives strengthen us and lead us to You. Amen to that."
How to behave on Meat and Desert Saturday
Commemoration is not only about words, but also about deeds. It is recommended to give alms to the poor, feed stray animals, or in some other feasible way to help those in need.
Give up quarrels and heavy conversations. The day is dedicated to love and forgiveness. Myasopustnaya Saturday teaches that the memory of the deceased strengthens the health of the living.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
