Universal parental Saturday - what should be done and how to remember the deceased relatives? Commemoration of the dead on parental Saturday.

The teaching of the Orthodox Church about the soul says that death is not the end of earthly life, but only a transition to another world. With God, everyone is alive - that is why the Church constantly prays not only for its living members, but also for all the deceased. To show how important the role of memorial prayers is, we list the main points of their presence in worship:

1) prayers for repose are performed in the Church daily(at the liturgy, during memorial services);

2) according to the church charter, each of the seven days of the week is dedicated to a specific event and has its own characteristics of worship. Saturday is dedicated to the memory of the saints and all deceased Christians;

3) private commemoration of the dead is performed on the 3rd, 9th and 40th days after death, as well as on the anniversary. Every year memorial services for relatives are ordered for a name day or on the birthday of the deceased;

4) the days of general church commemoration are called parent Saturdays. Two of the six parent Saturdays (Myasopustnaya and Trinity) are called ecumenical, as they are completely devoted to prayer for the deceased at all times and have an exceptional liturgical order.

During the year, the number of funeral prayers varies from the smallest on pre-holiday and feast days to the largest on ecumenical parental Saturdays, which almost entirely consist of prayers for the dead.

What are Parents' Saturdays?

The days of special commemoration in the Orthodox Church are called Parental Saturdays. This name is explained by the fact that on these days Christians pray for the repose of their parents (this word should be understood more broadly - grandfathers, great-grandfathers and all ancestors of their kind (grandparents)), as well as all the deceased Orthodox Christians. People these days visit cemeteries, take care of graves, order requiem services in temples, or perform divine services over graves on their own - in a secular rite (reading lithium).

Universal Parent Saturdays

The Saturdays before Maslenitsa and the Spiritual Day (Pentecost) are the days when all Orthodox Christians are called to intense prayer for the departed members of the Church—familiar and unfamiliar, far and near.

Meatless Saturday precedes the Week (Sunday), in which the Church remembers the Last Judgment and prays purely for all the dead. This commemoration of all the dead Orthodox people in general speaks of the unity of the Church, whose body consists of the souls of not only the living, but also the dead, united in Christ.

Trinity Saturday is associated with the descent of the Holy Spirit on the fiftieth day after the Resurrection of Christ. This event is one of the key to understanding the doctrine of salvation. The Holy Spirit that descended on the apostles is for all mankind a testimony of the presence of God next to people, a promise of salvation. It is believed that the Apostolic Church was formed on the day of Pentecost.

The rite of worship of the two ecumenical Saturdays is composed in a special, exceptional way: some prayers said on this day are not present in any other services. If the memory of the saints falls on this day, then it is transferred to the next day. If a patronal or twelfth feast falls, the funeral service is performed in a separate part of the church - the tomb, or passes to the previous Saturday or Thursday.

It should be noted that, first of all, during the ecumenical Saturdays, all Orthodox Christians who have died from the century are commemorated, and already in the second place, directly our relatives. However, in order to enable people to pray more personally and zealously for their relatives, in addition to commemoration at Matins and Vespers, a great memorial service is also performed. What is the difference between these memorials? If Matins and Vespers are performed according to an exceptional order specially drawn up for these two days and is comprehensive, then during the memorial service, prayers are said that are more general in content and are also used in other circumstances (for example, the canon from ordinary Sabbath funeral services). Another important difference is that in the morning the commemoration is performed without specifying specific names, but for all "forefathers, father and brothers ...", and at the memorial service it takes place according to church synodics and personal commemoration books.

Saturdays of Great Lent

Deliberate (special) commemoration of the dead is also performed on Saturdays of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th weeks of Great Lent. These Sabbaths are a kind of replenishment of the fact that there is practically no liturgical commemoration during Lent. The listed Saturdays are also called parent Saturdays, but their rites are not as special as in the case of Trinity and Meat-Feast Saturdays, therefore the parental Saturdays of Great Lent are not called ecumenical.

Another difference is that on ecumenical Saturdays, the commemoration of all the dead in all the ages of human existence comes to the fore, and on Lenten Saturdays, the main role is still given to prayers for deceased relatives (performed during Matins and Vespers). A separate ecumenical memorial service is not served on this day. Parental Saturdays of Great Lent are also distinguished from ecumenical ones by the fact that the glorification of the saints is not canceled on these days, and if Saturday coincides with the Annunciation, a patronal feast or a polyeleos, then the funeral service is not transferred to another day, but simply omitted.

Private parenting days

Some days of commemoration are found only in the practice of the Russian Orthodox Church. These include Demetrius Saturday, Radonitsa, May 9 (the memory of those who died in the Great Patriotic War) and September 11 (the day of memory of Orthodox soldiers, established by decree of Empress Catherine II, takes place irregularly).

Dimitrievskaya Saturday

According to legend, this day was approved by the Right-Believing Prince Dimitry Donskoy on Saturday before the day of memory of his patron saint, the Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica (October 26) - in the year of the Battle of Kulikovo (1380). Then the prince ordered for the first time to serve a funeral service in the monastery of St. Sergius of Radonezh in memory of the soldiers who fell on the Kulikovo field.

Over time, the connection of this day with its historical origin has weakened, and today Dimitrievskaya Saturday is a memorial parental Saturday, without a particular correlation with the events of 700 years ago.

Radonitsa

Radonitsa is perhaps the most famous (even in non-church circles) day of commemoration of the dead. On this day, a state holiday is always declared so that all people (both believers and secular) have the opportunity to visit their native graves.

The date of the Radonitsa is a rolling one - depending on the date of Easter. Most often, it is scheduled for Tuesday (if it does not coincide with important holidays) of St. Thomas Week (the second week after Easter).

The establishment of such a special day of remembrance is associated with Great Lent. The fact is that during Lenten weeks very often a deliberate commemoration of the dead (which is always performed on the 3rd, 9th and 40th days) cannot be performed due to the peculiarities of the Lenten liturgical charter. Therefore, by the end of Lent, a lot of unserved requiems accumulate, which are transferred to the first day, when you can perform a full liturgy and memorial service. Such a day is Radonitsa.

Since Radonitsa always coincides with the afterfeast, there are no special prayers for the dead on this day either at the liturgy, or at matins and vespers. Memorial prayers are present only at Midnight Office, and a great memorial service is also served after Vespers.

Superstitions related to death and commemoration

Surprisingly, but true: in the world of victorious science, where people often question all world religions, the so-called folk omens or superstition.

The etymology of the word "superstition" speaks for itself: vain faith, faith in something empty, non-existent.

Since death for any person is a topic surrounded by many secrets and questions, the same number of various superstitions are attracted to it, like a magnet. Thus, numerous prejudices associated with the organization of commemorations are very common. Often a real feast is arranged for the deceased with a large number of various dishes and alcohol. However, church people should understand that the commemoration is organized mainly in order to show mercy to the people who were present at the funeral service. The living need food, but the soul of the deceased needs prayers.

Absolutely meaningless and all the signs associated directly with the funeral meal. Some especially superstitious people believe that wake food should not be taken home because it "possesses negative energy." This statement is an unfounded superstition. The food was prepared in order to feed people, and if it remains, it can and should be distributed.

A lot of superstitions are associated with the preparation for the funeral. Often one has to observe how mirrors are hung in the house (so as not to accidentally see the dead person in them), the chairs on which the coffin stood are turned over (so that the living do not sit on them) and many similar things. As believing Christians, we must in every possible way eradicate such pagan prejudices in the surrounding society, explain to people the complete senselessness of such actions.

Absurd and at the same time ineradicable is the tradition of bringing food or sweets to the cemetery, as well as leaving a glass of vodka “for the dead”. Is it worth talking about all the absurdity of such customs? The soul, which no longer has a material shell, does not need anything material, including food. To honor the memory of our loved ones, we can take care of their graves, keeping them clean and tidy. We can bring flowers and wreaths to the cemetery. But the most important thing we can do is to minister over the grave of a lithium, to ask the Lord to remember the deceased.

There is no place for magic in Christianity. The purpose of the Christian life is to purify one's own soul. The purpose of his death is to unite with God in the Kingdom of Heaven. Unlike everyday superstitions and prejudices, every religious action has a lofty goal. We must firmly remember this and distinguish one from the other.

Dates of Parental Saturdays and Days of Remembrance for the Dead in 2019

What number falls on the Trinity Ecumenical parent saturday in 2018? What is the history of this event? Do's and Don'ts on this day. Read about it in the material Pravda-TV.

Trinity (parental) Saturday is the day of commemoration of the dead, which falls on the Saturday before the Trinity. In Russia, this day was also called: Semitskaya Saturday, Klechalnaya Saturday, Soul Wake, Spirits Day.

On Trinity parental Saturday in the Orthodox world, it is customary to commemorate the dead. In 2018, the parent year falls on May 26th.

This tradition dates back to apostolic times. The Apostle Peter on this day, addressing the Jews, speaks of the Resurrected Savior: God resurrected Him, breaking the bonds of death (Acts 2:24). The apostolic decrees say that the apostles, filled with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, preached to Jews and Gentiles our Savior Jesus Christ, the Judge of the living and the dead.

Trinity parental Saturday 2018: how to commemorate the dead and what not to do

History and meaning

Trinity Ecumenical Parental Saturday is probably the oldest memorial day in Christianity. It originates from apostolic times - from the 1st century from the birth of Christ. It is always performed on the eve of the Holy Trinity - hence the name.

According to legend, on this day, still persecuted and not recognized by anyone, Christians gathered together to honor the memory of tortured and executed brothers and sisters in faith who did not receive a proper burial.

If the Day of the Holy Trinity is a kind of birthday of the Ecumenical Apostolic Church, then Trinity Saturday is, as it were, the last day of the Old Testament Church before the full disclosure of the Church of Christ. Therefore, the Orthodox Church considers it important to commemorate before the day of the Holy Trinity all those who have died from the age. The Church says that the Holy Spirit descended to earth on the day of Pentecost in order to teach, sanctify and lead people to eternal salvation. Therefore, the Church calls on all people on parental Saturday to make a commemoration in order to purify all souls with the saving grace of the Holy Spirit.

During the service, they recall the parable of the Last Judgment of the living and the dead, so that a person remembers that he will have to answer for the committed sinful deeds during the Judgment. Therefore, the Church has established intercession not only for its living members, but also for all those who have died from time immemorial, especially for those who died suddenly, and prays to the Lord for their mercy. Thus, the Church gives everyone a chance for the salvation of the soul.

What is Parental Saturday

On these Saturdays, a special commemoration of the dead Orthodox Christians is performed in Orthodox churches. The name "parental" most likely came from the tradition of calling the deceased "parents", that is, those who had gone to their fathers. And also because Christians prayerfully commemorated, first of all, their deceased parents. Among parental Saturdays, Ecumenical Saturdays are especially singled out, on which the Orthodox Church prayerfully commemorates all the dead in general.

Holy Trinity 2018: symbols and signs of the great holiday

There are two such Saturdays in a year: Myasopustnaya (a week before the start of Lent, which was celebrated on February 18 in 2017) and Trinity. On these days, special services are performed - ecumenical requiems. The remaining parental Saturdays are not ecumenical and are set aside specifically for the private commemoration of people dear to our hearts.

How they commemorate in the church

In Orthodox churches, on the eve of parental Saturday - on Friday evening, the Great Panikhida is served, which is also called the Greek word "parastas". The Divine Liturgy for the dead is served on Saturday morning, followed by a common memorial service. On this day, one should commemorate their deceased parents in the church - people submit notes with the names of loved ones of the dead and pray for the repose of their souls in the afterlife.

According to the old church tradition, the parishioners bring lenten products and wine to the temple for the celebration of the liturgy, which are consecrated during the service, and later distributed to those who wish.

What is customary to do

After visiting the temples, the Orthodox go to the cemetery, read prayers for the repose of the souls of deceased relatives, put the graves in order. The church believes that on this day it is more important to defend the service in the temple than to go to the cemetery, since prayer is much more important for dead relatives and close people than visiting the grave.

But, if it is not possible these days to visit the temple and the cemetery, you can pray for the repose of the deceased at home. Another custom of Trinity Saturday is the obligatory distribution of alms to all those in need with a request to pray for the departed.

There is a belief that on the parental Saturday before the Trinity one cannot work, clean the apartment and even wash the dishes, although the church has a different opinion.

Priests say that work restrictions exist primarily so that household chores do not interfere with prayer and church attendance. Parental Sabbath should begin with a visit to church and prayer for the departed, and after returning home from the temple, you can do homework.

customs

Folk traditions of commemoration of the dead people were somewhat different from the church ones. Ordinary people went to the graves of relatives before big holidays - on the eve of Maslenitsa, Trinity, Intercession Holy Mother of God and Memorial Day of the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica.

The people most of all revered Dmitrievskaya parental Saturday. This is the last parental Saturday of the year, which in 2018 falls on November 3rd. In 1903, Emperor Nicholas II even issued a decree on the performance of a special memorial service for the soldiers who fell for the Fatherland - "For the faith, the tsar and the Fatherland, who laid their lives on the battlefield." The days of special commemoration of the dead in Ukraine and Belarus were called "Grandfathers". There were up to six such "Grandfathers" a year. The people superstitiously believed that on these days all deceased relatives invisibly join the family memorial meal.

According to ancient custom, on parental Saturdays it was customary to eat kutya - an obligatory dish of the funeral meal. Sweet porridge was usually prepared from whole grains of wheat or other cereals with the addition of honey, as well as raisins or nuts. True, today few people follow him.

Prayer for the departed Rest, Lord, the souls of the departed Thy servants: my parents, relatives, benefactors (their names) and all Orthodox Christians, and forgive them all sins, free and involuntary, and grant them the Kingdom of Heaven. During the church service, Orthodox people commemorate many generations of their deceased ancestors by name.

Meaning of Trinity Saturday

The rector of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, Metropolitan of Vyshgorod and Chernobyl Bishop Pavel told about the traditions of this day.

He recalled that the tradition of commemorating the dead was founded in the time of the apostles. When the apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, they preached about Jesus Christ and called Him the Judge of the living and the dead. The descent on the Day of Pentecost of the Holy Spirit marked the redemption of the world and the gift of unspeakable grace, which acts savingly on the living and on the dead.

Trinity Saturday can be called the last day of the Old Testament Church and the beginning of the dispensation of the Church of Christ. Therefore, in one of the prayers there is such an appeal to the Lord: “Lord, rest the souls of Thy servants, the father and brothers of ours and other relatives according to the flesh, and all of our own in the faith, we are making memory of them now.”

“With a prayer for repose, we ask the Lord to forgive the sins committed by the deceased due to weakness, and those who have gone to another world sometimes without repentance. We ask that the soul of the deceased receive eternal rest in the Abodes of the Kingdom of Heaven, where there are no sorrows and sorrows, but there is eternal joy in being with the Lord. Try through alms and help to those in need to help the deceased, because any alms for the departed is another request for the mercy of the Lord. A person who has departed to another world can no longer repent of his sins, give alms, or change anything. He is waiting for our prayers, help and rewards,” the Metropolitan said.

The Monk John of Damascus says how one of the God-bearing fathers had a disciple living in carelessness, and when he was overtaken by death, the Lord, after the prayers offered up by the elder, showed him the lad, like the rich man (mentioned in the parable of Lazarus) burning in fire up to the neck. When the elder grieved a lot about this and tearfully prayed to God, the Lord showed him the lad standing in the fire up to his waist. And then, when the saint added new labors to his labors, God in a vision to the elder showed the lad free and completely removed from the fire.

“There are a great many such examples, but all of them again and again confirm to us that the prayer of those living on earth, sincere, coming from the heart, can change a lot for our departed. The Lord sees and hears each of us, and blessed is he who strives not only for himself, but also for his neighbor. The Lord every minute gives us His mercy and gives us mercy. Do not doubt, dear brothers and sisters, in the forgiveness of the Lord, but remember at the same time that everything that is offered to God with faith subsequently has a multiple reward, both to those who bring it and to those for whom it is offered, ”addressed the readers“ Vesti, rector of the Lavra.

He once again reminded that the Lord descended from heaven to earth, took torment and death on the cross for the salvation of the entire human race. He suffered and sacrificed Himself for each of us. Therefore, any person who has the smallest share of virtues will not be forgotten by the Lord and will be his close friend, by the grace of the Lord, and his relatives and friends will pray and give alms for the one who has departed to receive retribution in the Abodes of the Kingdom of Heaven.

And the one who lived viciously, not caring about the soul - the Lord will not look at him, and none of his relatives and friends will help. John Chrysostom says: “If in your life you did not manage to arrange well everything concerning your soul, then at least at death command your relatives so that after death they send your property to you and help you with good deeds, that is, alms and offerings. Thus, even here you will be reconciled with the Redeemer.”

The Lord will not leave without His Divine justice those who are lonely and who do not have relatives who would pray for them, or those who did not have a state that can be distributed after death as alms.

The Lord does not leave anyone or anything without His Divine attention, and only in the Lord is all truth, wisdom and grace. He will save every creation that He has made, with the exception of those who have apostatized from the faith and violated the Commandments of the Lord.

It is necessary to commemorate the dead as often as possible, not only on those days that are designated as days of special commemoration of the departed.

Parent Saturday: what to do and what to bring to church

On the eve of the liturgy, it is necessary to submit notes - a custom-made magpie - with the names of relatives (only those baptized in the Orthodox faith), and during the proskomedia, particles from the prosphora for repose will be taken out, lowered into the bowl and washed with the Blood of Christ.

“This is the greatest blessing we can do for our departed. The souls of people who have gone to another world without bearing the fruits of repentance endure torment and suffering, and the priest's prayer helps them get some relief. You can submit notes for the memorial service, which is served after the liturgy, in the designated place in the temple. Here you can also leave an offering in the form of bread, cereals, vegetable oil, everything is done as far as possible. You can put a candle in memory of the deceased, and this will be your small sacrifice. It is advisable to order magpies - this is when for 40 days there is an unceasing commemoration or reading of the Psalter for half a year or a year during the Liturgy,” Vladyka Pavel explained.

At the same time, he emphasized that, when giving repose in churches, one should not forget about prayer at home, since the soul of the deceased is in great need of it. “And since the Church does not commemorate suicides and those who are not baptized in the Orthodox faith, you can make a commemoration in your home prayer,” the metropolitan added.

A very popular custom is the memorial meal. “But you shouldn’t turn it into a feast to eat deliciously and discuss the latest news. At the memorial meal, a common prayer is needed for the repose of the deceased. And the first dish with which the meal begins is kutya (wheat grains with honey and raisins). It is also necessary to exclude all types of alcohol. Previously, there was such a pious custom when beggars, old women and children were the first to sit at the memorial table, they were also given the clothes of the deceased and alms,” said Vladyka Pavel.

Prayer for the dead

Prayer for all the dead

Remember, Lord our God, in the faith and hope of the life of your eternally reposed servant, our brother (name), as Good and Lover of mankind, forgive sins and consume iniquities, weaken, leave and forgive all his voluntary and involuntary sins, deliver him eternal torment and the fire of Gehenna, and grant him the communion and enjoyment of Your eternal blessings, prepared for those who love You: if you sin, but do not depart from You, and unquestionably in the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Your God in the Trinity glorious, faith, and Unity in the Trinity and the Trinity in Unity Orthodox even until his last breath of confession. Be merciful to him the same, and even faith in Thee instead of deeds, and with Your saints, as if generously rest: there is no man who lives and does not sin. But Thou art One except for all sin, and Thy truth is truth forever, and Thou art the One God of mercies and generosity, and humanity, and we send glory to You, the Father and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever and ever. Amen.

Children's prayer for deceased parents

Lord Jesus Christ our God! You are the guardian of the orphans, the grieving refuge and the weeping comforter. I resort to You, orphan, groaning and weeping, and I pray to You: hear my prayer and do not turn Your face away from the sighs of my heart and from the tears of my eyes. I pray to You, merciful Lord, quench my grief about separation from my parent (matter) my (-her) (name), his soul (her), as if departed (-s) to You with true faith in You and firm hope in Yours philanthropy and mercy, receive into Your Kingdom of Heaven. I bow before Your holy will, it has already been taken away from me, and I ask You, do not take away from him (her or them) Your mercy and mercy. We know, Lord, as You are the Judge of this world, punish the sins and wickedness of the fathers in children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, even up to the third and fourth generation: but also have mercy on the fathers for the prayers and virtues of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. With contrition and tenderness of the heart, I pray to You, merciful Judge, do not punish with eternal punishment the deceased (s) unforgettable (s) for me, your slave (s) (s), my parent (mother) (s) (name), but forgive him (her) all his (her) sins, voluntary and involuntary, in word and deed, by knowledge and ignorance created by him (her) in his (her) life here on earth, and according to Your mercy and philanthropy, prayers for the sake of the Most Pure Mother of God and all the saints, have mercy on him (u) and deliver eternal torment. You, merciful Father of fathers and children! Grant me, all the days of my life, until my last breath, do not stop remembering the deceased parent (mother) of mine (her) in your prayers, and beg Thee, the righteous Judge, and put him (s) in a place of light, in a place cool and in a place of peace, with all the saints, from nowhere any illness, sorrow and sighing will flee. Merciful Lord! Receive this day about Your servant (Your) (name) this warm prayer of mine and give him (her) Your recompense for the labors and cares of my upbringing in faith and Christian piety, as if he taught me first of all lead Thee, your Lord, pray to You in reverence, trust in You alone in troubles, sorrows and illnesses and keep Your Commandments; for the well-being of him (her) about my spiritual success, for the warmth of the prayers he (she) brings about me before You and for all the gifts he (she) asked me from You, reward him (her) with Your mercy, Your heavenly blessings and joys in your eternal kingdom. You are the God of mercies and generosity and philanthropy. You are the peace and joy of Your faithful servants, and we send glory to You with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and forever and ever. Amen.

Trinity Saturday: folk beliefs and prohibitions

Our ancestors believed that on the eve of the Trinity, mermaids come out of the reservoirs, arranging various pranks in the fields and in the forests and singing songs loudly. Hearing this noise, the merman begins to disturb the water in rivers and lakes. In order to calm the merman, on the night of the Trinity, young people burned fires near the water or ran through the forest with branches, chasing the mermaids who had played out. At the same time, swimming on the night of the Trinity was strictly forbidden, since the water one awakened by the mermaids could drag to the bottom.

Also on Trinity Saturday and on Trinity it was forbidden to work in the field and in the yard, and it was impossible to go into the forest alone - for fear of meeting mermaids. For the same reason, these days people also tried not to graze cattle near forests and water bodies.

On this day, it was impossible to sew and spin. In addition, all prohibitions related to water were in effect: washing and rinsing clothes, washing and bathing in open water, etc. were banned. Mermaids in general these days should have been careful, or better, appeased with some kind of offering.

Trinity Saturday: signs and sayings

Since Trinity Saturday, they haven’t swept for three days, on the fourth - they clean the house.

On Trinity Saturday, this barley and hemp will be well born.

Rain on Trinity is a good omen: wait for the harvest of mushrooms and berries, and there will be no frost all summer.

On what days is it customary to commemorate the dead?

Parental Saturdays in 2018 fall on the following dates:

– February 10, 2018.
Saturday of the 2nd week of Great Lent - March 3, 2018.
Saturday of the 3rd week of Great Lent - March 10, 2018.
Saturday of the 4th week of Great Lent - March 17, 2018.
Commemoration of the dead warriors– May 9, 2018.
Radonitsa– April 17, 2018.
Trinity parental Saturday in 2018– May 26, 2018.
– November 3, 2018.

Parental Saturdays in 2019 fall on the following dates:

Universal parental Saturday (meatless)– March 4, 2019.
Saturday of the 2nd week of Great Lent - March 23, 2019.
Saturday of the 3rd week of Great Lent - March 30, 2019.
Saturday of the 4th week of Great Lent - April 6, 2019.
Commemoration of the dead warriors– May 9, 2019.
Radonitsa– May 7, 2019.
Trinity parental Saturday in 2019– June 15, 2019.
Dimitriev parental Saturday– November 2, 2019.
Parental Saturdays in 2020 fall on the following dates:
- Universal parental Saturday (meatless)– February 24, 2020.
- Saturday of the 2nd week of Great Lent - March 14, 2020.
- Saturday of the 3rd week of Great Lent - March 21, 2020.
- Saturday of the 4th week of Great Lent - March 28, 2020.
- Commemoration of the dead warriors– May 9, 2020.
- Radonitsa– April 28, 2020.
- Trinity parental Saturday in 2020– June 6, 2020.
- Dimitriev parental Saturday– October 31, 2020.
Parental Saturdays in 2021 fall on the following dates:
- Universal parental Saturday (meatless)– March 8, 2021.
- Saturday of the 2nd week of Great Lent - March 27, 2021.
- Saturday of the 3rd week of Great Lent - April 3, 2021.
- Saturday of the 4th week of Great Lent - April 10, 2021.
- Commemoration of the dead warriors– May 9, 2021.
- Radonitsa– May 11, 2021.
- Trinity parent Saturday in 2021– June 19, 2021.
- Dimitriev parental Saturday– November 6, 2021.

Remembrance days, when the Orthodox Church in each church holds requiem services for all the departed Christians, are called Parental Saturdays. They really (with the exception of the Radonitsa and the days of remembrance of the soldiers) are held on Saturday. Saturday - the day of rest since biblical times, is the best suited for prayers for the souls of the reposed. In addition to these common days of remembrance according to the church calendar, on the date of death, birth and name day of our deceased relatives and close people, as a tribute to their memory, we arrange memorial dinners, visit the cemetery and the temple. These days are different for each person. Parental Saturdays or days of commemoration of the dead in 2018, according to the Orthodox tradition, begin a week before Great Lent from the Ecumenical Meat-Feast Saturday on February 10, 2018. This Saturday is called universal or common for all because a common memorial service is held in churches, at which everyone prays for God's mercy to the departed Christians on the eve of the Week of the Last Judgment. So, the parental Saturdays of 2018 and memorial days of 2018 are next.

Universal parent Saturday (meat) 2018

In 2018, it falls on February 10. On this day, it is customary to read prayers not only for deceased relatives, but also for all the deceased, starting from Adam and Eve. This is the most global Saturday, it is designed to remind everyone of the Last Judgment and call people to prudence and mercy. As for the name, each word has its own meaning. Ecumenical - on this day they pray for all the dead, without exception, in the Church Special attention devote to prayers for people who did not die by their own death, because all souls must rest in peace. It is called parental because we pray for the forgiveness of all the sins of our ancestors - the "parents" who gave us life. And the very word "meat-putting" suggests that on this day meat food should be excluded altogether. As for the celebration of this Saturday, there is a whole list of rituals. The main thing is to come to the temple and write the names of those whom you want to commemorate on a special piece of paper “For the Repose” and pay a fee for this to the person responsible for collecting the sheets. Of course, it is better to defend the entire service, but not necessarily. It is also desirable to give alms to those who ask on the way home. It is believed that by this act you commemorate those for whom you cannot pray. These are unbaptized, suicides, who died from abortions. At home at the table it is worth remembering all those who have passed away. And also cook kutya, or it is also called “kolivo”, here this dish reminds that the deceased will be resurrected when the Last Judgment comes.

Parental days for the Orthodox in 2018

The Christian religious timetable contains all the data regarding celebrations significant for religion. What date are parental Saturdays in 2018?

On the 10th of February, the sacred meat-fare (universal) Saturday is celebrated;
3 numbers in March - the Saturday period of the 2nd week of Great Strict Lent;
10th in March - the Saturday period of the 3rd week of strict fasting;
March 17 - Saturday period of the 4th week of strict fasting;
On April 17, Orthodox Radonitsa is celebrated;
On May 9, believers meet the date of remembrance of all the deceased soldiers;
The 26th in May is the date of the celebration of the holy Trinity Saturday;
November 3rd - Memorial Christian Dmitriev Saturday. The girl prays for repose.

All listed parental days in 2018, according to the Orthodox calendar, always fall on the Saturday period of the week. This moment is designated as a memorial not in vain. In religion, it is Saturday that is associated with a state of rest, therefore it is the most suitable for remembering the souls of the departed people. In Orthodoxy, there are several versions as to why memorial days are called parental days. The main (first) version says that the name "parent's day" did not appear in vain. Remembering dear and beloved people, a person first of all thinks about his parents. If the closest relatives have already died, then on the memorial day they are also remembered in the first place. The second version indicates that in religion a person who is buried in the earth is recognized as having gone to the forefathers, that is, parents. And the Sabbath day of the week was chosen as a sign that this period of the week is calmer.

Saturday 2nd Week of Lent 2018

Falls on March 03, 2018. Due to the fact that daily liturgies are not held in the church during Great Lent, the deceased are left without commemoration. In order to correct this and not leave the dead, the church decided to allocate three days for remembrance - ecumenical memorial Saturdays of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th weeks of Great Lent. On such a Saturday, there is an opportunity not only to order a magpie and give a note “On repose”, but to personally pray for the deceased. If it is not possible to attend the Liturgy, it is better not to ask anyone about it, the priests do not welcome such actions.

Saturday 3rd Week of Lent 2018

Falls on March 10, 2018. It is on this Saturday that it is worth praying for your dead with special zeal. This day is ideal to light a candle for the repose, serve memorial services, give alms to forgive sins, go to the cemetery. In this, true love for neighbors is manifested not in words, but in deeds. This is one of the main rules of fasting.

Saturday 4th week of Lent 2018

Falls on March 17, 2018. This day is intended to help the dead not in word, but in deed. After all, having gone to the afterlife, they cannot ask for the forgiveness of their sins, which is why even a small sin dooms the deceased to eternal torment. By praying for deceased loved ones, we help them find peace. This proves true love for our ancestors.

The main memorial day in 2018

The main memorial day for the Orthodox is Radonitsa. In different regions of Russia, it is celebrated at different times. According to church canons, the main parental memorial day falls on the ninth day after Easter, namely on Tuesday. In 2018 it will be 04/17/18. It should be noted that this day is called differently in different regions of Russia. Somewhere it is called Mogilki, somewhere the Easter of the Dead, and somewhere Radovnitsa. However, the essence of this holiday is unchanged. This is a special day to commemorate the deceased parents and closest people. It is believed that the name "Radonitsa" came from the verb "rejoice", because on this day we not only remember the dead loved ones, but also congratulate them on Easter, believing that the Kingdom of Heaven will come and all the dead will be resurrected. The main feature of this day is the preparation of a special treat, which is intended both for the people living now and for the dead. On Radonitsa, eggs are again dyed and kutya is prepared. It should be noted that most of the eggs are painted red. In some regions of Russia, the tradition of "christening with the dead" has been preserved. For this, red eggs are buried in the ground.

In some villages, it is customary to place them in the ground directly at the cemetery, in others it is enough to dig them in a field or behind the house where the deceased lived. In such an area, as a rule, it is believed that "the dead move underground." Another invariable dish on Radonitsa is kutya. This is what I call porridge made from wheat or rice, mixed with raisins, nuts, poppy seeds and dried fruits. Before you start a meal at the funeral table, you must definitely taste kutya. Some Slavic peoples also kept the tradition of baking pancakes on this day. Some housewives bake thin translucent treats, others prefer lush delicacies. Regardless of this, it is considered that pancakes are fully prepared according to the rite, if they are well oiled. It is the amount of oil that indicates how relatives remember the dead. The first pancakes are traditionally placed in a bundle or basket and carried to the cemetery. Until now, all relatives come to the graves of the dead on Radonitsa to remember their loved ones together and taste pancakes. In the old days, this was the end of the meal in the cemetery. People went home and festive table continued to remember the dead.

If the commemoration at home took place with the use of alcohol, then it was forbidden to clink glasses. The use of knives and forks was also unacceptable. It was forbidden to throw away the remains from the memorial table. It was customary to feed them "birds of heaven." It is worth noting that during the Soviet era, some traditions have changed. If before the October Revolution of 1917, Radonitsa was considered a holiday, and everyone could visit the cemetery without any problems, then in the Soviet period this became problematic. Despite this, people still came to their deceased relatives, but not on Tuesday, but on Sunday. Another change was that next to the graves they began to arrange sumptuous meals with alcohol. And after them, eggs, glasses with vodka, bread and other food were left at the burial sites. The Church considers this unacceptable. Remembering loved ones, it is necessary to pray for their souls and hope that resurrection awaits all of us. The ministers of the church believe that Easter cakes, eggs, etc., which are left after the commemoration, are a sign of pagan traditions - "to treat the dead." If you consider yourself an Orthodox person, then you should not do this. Pouring graves with alcohol is also unacceptable.

Radonitsa in 2018

Saturday Trinity 2018

Falls on May 26, 2018. This Saturday marks the entry into fasting. People go to church to pray for all the dead, even those who have gone to hell. After the service, they usually go to the cemetery, where they decorate the grave of their relatives with greenery and hold a memorial meal. It is customary to leave the remaining food on the grave so that a passerby can treat himself and remember loved ones, it was a kind of almsgiving. On this day, one should not refuse those who ask and need help. There is also a range folk traditions unrelated to memory. On this day, it was forbidden to work and walk alone in the forest, because you could stumble upon a mermaid. It was believed that on this day, evil spirits are activated, because of which they were afraid to graze cattle near forests and reservoirs. In no case was it possible to do work related to water: washing, washing dishes, bathing, so as not to disturb the abode of mermaids. Better appease them. And if it rains that day, then there will be an excellent harvest of berries and mushrooms.

Saturday Dmitrievskaya in 2018

Falls on November 03, 2018. This is the last memorial day of the year. Demetrius Saturday precedes the Day of Remembrance of the Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica. On this Saturday, it is customary to go to the graves of relatives, where they pray for their repose and cry, after which they arrange memorial meals. Memorial services were also served in the cemeteries, for which the priests received generous gifts. As on other memorial days, special attention should be paid to helping the poor. Dmitrievskaya Saturday also marks the change of autumn into winter. It was very important to finish preparing for the cold weather on this particular day. The hostesses diligently cleaned the dwelling and baked oblong funeral pies with all kinds of fillings. It is advisable to visit a bathhouse on the eve of Saturday, and leave a broom and water for the deceased relatives. It is important to remember that if we really love our dead relatives, we need to pray more often for their repose and ask for the forgiveness of their sins. Dying, a person loses the opportunity to turn to the Lord. It was to help the dead that memorial days were created. Of course, it is better to do everything while observing the rules and principles, but if it is not possible to visit the temple or go to the cemetery, even a simple prayer at home will help.

Parental Saturdays are days of special commemoration of the departed, when with our prayers we can provide great help to our relatives and friends who have passed away from earthly life. Five of them are reserved for the commemoration of deceased relatives, two more and the requiems performed at the same time are called ecumenical. Parental Sabbaths involve the observance of certain rules that all believers should be aware of.

The Deep Meaning of Parental Saturday

Please note that hard liquor, such as vodka or cognac, is not accepted as a donation.

If desired and possible, you can order a memorial service, and after prayers are completed, you are allowed to visit the cemetery, put the grave in order, replace the flowers, thereby showing that you keep the memory of a loved one.

How to spend the rest of the day on parental Saturday and can I clean up? Archpriest Alexander Ilyashenko for the online publication Pravoslavie i Mir answers this question as follows: the ban on cleaning the house on this day is nothing more than superstition, of course, you need to start the day with visiting the temple, praying, visiting the cemetery, and after if necessary, you can perform the usual household chores.

Another important question that worries believers is whether it is possible to baptize a child on parental Saturday? Hegumen Alexy (Diocese of Vladivostok) and other priests of the Russian Orthodox Church recall a simple rule - you can baptize a child on all days without restrictions.

For the period of Lent in 2019, the following parental Saturdays fall:

March 23 - Parent ecumenical Saturday of the second week of Great Lent
March 30 - Parent ecumenical Saturday of the third week of Great Lent
April 6 - Parent ecumenical Saturday of the fourth week of Great Lent.

P.S. Prayer for the deceased is the sacred duty of every Christian. A great reward and great consolation awaits the one who, through his prayers, will help his departed neighbor receive the forgiveness of sins.

Special commemoration of the deceased according to the canons of the Orthodox Church in 2018, parental Saturdays, and not only, by day. Features of each day of remembrance, what to do on Parents' Saturday.

Most of the days of special commemoration of the dead shift relative to Easter, there are memorial days that are not tied to the Celebration of Easter of Christ - all numbers for 2018, their features and traditions.

Parents' Saturday is the traditional name of the day when the Church especially prays for the dead. Saturday has long been considered a day of rest, so we pray on this day for the repose of our loved ones and all Orthodox Christians who have died from time immemorial. Almost all days of special commemoration of the deceased relatives and loved ones were established in the church calendar in early Christian times. All dates in the article are given in the new style.

First, let's pay attention to the days tied in the annual cycle of worship to the Bright Feast of Christ's Resurrection.

THE UNIVERSAL PARENTAL SATURDAY (MEAT-FAST) in 2018 falls on February 10th. The ecumenical commemoration on this day is established on the basis of the fact that on the following Sunday the Last Judgment and the Second Coming of Christ are remembered. In addition, the meatless Parental Saturday takes place during the period of preparation for Great Lent, on this day Christians are called to remember that we are with the departed in the same Body of Christ, since God is all living.

The memorial 2nd, 3rd, 4th Saturdays of GREAT LENT fall in 2018, respectively, on March 3, March 10 and March 17.