What not to do on Myasopust Parents' Saturday 2026: strict prohibitions on February 14

The Myasopustnaya Ecumenical Parental Sabbath on February 14, 2026 requires special behavior from believers. The day is dedicated to the memory of all deceased Orthodox Christians, so the church and folk customs set strict restrictions on certain actions. What is forbidden to do in temples, cemeteries and at home — tell Izvestia.

Prohibitions during worship services

Visiting the temple on Myasopust Saturday is considered mandatory for everyone who can come. It is unacceptable to skip the great memorial service on Friday evening or the requiem mass on Saturday morning without a valid reason. During the services, it is forbidden to talk, use the phone, take pictures of priests or chew gum. Women are not allowed to enter the temple in bright clothes, open shoes or with bare shoulders — a covered head and a long skirt are required. Bright makeup, manicures, and jewelry are also inappropriate. Men are forbidden to appear in the temple in shorts or T-shirts.

What should not be brought to the temple

On the eve of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ, only lenten offerings are placed in the temple: bread, cereals, vegetable oil, fruits, nuts, sweets. It is not recommended to bring meat, sausages, cheese, lard, cakes and alcoholic beverages. It is also important to keep in mind that notes about the unbaptized or suicides are not accepted for the proskomedia. They pray for them at home with a blessing.

Cemetery Restrictions

After the Liturgy, believers traditionally visit the graves of relatives. It is strictly forbidden to hold feasts, drink alcohol and leave bottles or food on the stoves in the cemetery. You can't talk loudly, laugh, or listen to music through headphones. It is forbidden to dig the earth, chop bushes or carry out repair work, except for garbage collection and painting fences. You can not pick up fallen objects — it was believed that with them you can take away the illnesses and troubles of the deceased.

Prayers for Myasopustnaya Parental Saturday – 2026: what to read in church and at home

On this day, believers recite special prayers for all deceased Orthodox Christians.

Limitations of home-cooked meals

The memorial table is served modestly with an odd number of lean dishes. It is forbidden to cook meat and fatty dishes, as the day is preceded by Lent. Alcohol on the table is inappropriate or allowed in a minimal amount.

Household chores and work

It is undesirable to do household chores on the Saturday of the Meat Festival. It is forbidden to wash, iron, wash floors, sew and knit — according to popular beliefs, this disturbs the souls of the ancestors. Minor repairs or cleaning are allowed only if necessary, but major work such as construction, relocation or purchase of real estate is postponed. It's not worth starting new projects, signing important documents, or making deals — the day is meant for prayer, not worldly worries. It is also better to postpone TV, computer games and social entertainment for another day.

Behavior and communication

Special attention is paid to words and deeds. You should not quarrel with your loved ones, raise your voice or show anger. Gossip, condemnation of the living and the dead, discussion of illnesses or financial problems are prohibited. Resorting to fortune tellers, psychics, or conducting seances is also unacceptable — it contradicts Christian teaching. Noisy parties, going to the cinema, concerts or restaurants are inappropriate — the day requires concentration and silence.

It is not recommended to indulge in excessive grief or crying — commemoration should bring a bright memory and hope for the resurrection. Myasopustnaya Saturday, February 14, 2026, is becoming a test for the soul. Observing the prohibitions helps to focus on the main thing — prayer for all deceased Christians and strengthening the bond of generations.