Every year the church determines the days of remembrance of the dead - parental Saturdays. With care loved one longing and sadness for him forever creeps into the souls of his relatives. They pray for the repose of the soul almost every day, light candles in churches, and on parental Saturdays they organize a special funeral liturgy.

In 2019, the number of parental Saturdays is 7. Their dates change annually.

You need to understand that every parent's Saturday represents a very important day for the believer. We must not forget to remember the dead on these days. We must remember the souls of our parents first, and then all other people who are dear to our hearts. In a Christian family, a child must be taught respect for his parents.

The fifth commandment is known, which talks about the need to honor your mother and father. Father Augustine focuses on this commandment. It is believed that such respect, the respect of parents, plays a huge role for eternal life man, as well as his entire family, for his stay on earth.

It is parental Saturdays that allow us to fully reveal the true, deep meaning of honoring parents. There are nine such days in the Orthodox calendar. Moreover, two parental Saturdays are ecumenical: they are spent in memorial prayers for the souls of all the departed.

Parents' Saturdays in Russia in 2019

On parental Saturdays, the most important prayers are funeral prayers, thanks to which the souls of the dead feel better.

• March 2 – the day of the Ecumenical Meat Saturday

Comes on the 8th day before the start of Lent. The priests will read prayers for all Christians who have ever lived on our planet. There is another Ecumenical Parents' Saturday - Trinity. On such days, pancakes are baked: the first one should be placed on a shelf with images of saints, the second one should be on the windowsill, the rest should be distributed to the poor and children, asking them to pray for specific deceased people. House cleaning begins in the morning, and in the evening the family holds a funeral dinner.

• March 23 and 30, April 6 – parental Saturdays during Lent

At the end of the church service, Orthodox Christians go to the graves of their relatives to honor their memory.

• May 7 – Radonitsa Day

Orthodox Christians also gather in cemeteries near the graves of their relatives and celebrate the Resurrection of Christ. They bring sweets, pies, and krashanki to the graves; they also distribute food to children and the poor.

• June 15 – Ecumenical Trinity Saturday

In the church you need to light candles for the repose, decorate the graves with greenery. You should not drink alcohol on this day.

• November 2 – Dmitrievskaya Saturday

They say that from this day winter begins, severe frosts. You need to clean the house and then go to the evening service. They prepare pies, kutya, and cook uzvar.

Parents' Saturdays in Lent 2019

This year memorial days fall on 23, 30Marthaand April 6th. Orthodox churches always hold Liturgies, praying for the departed on Saturdays that fall on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th weeks of Lent. All believers have the opportunity not only to light candles, submit notes of repose, writing the appropriate names in them, or order a magpie, but also to attend the Liturgy in person.

Another remarkable fact is that throughout Lent, funeral Liturgies in Orthodox churches are never held, except for the three specified Saturdays. After the funeral service, it is customary to go to the cemetery to honor the memory of your deceased relatives and friends in their final resting places. Although the clergy say that after participating in funeral services it is not necessary to go to churchyards, since it is not the bodies, but the souls of the deceased that need much more attention.

Ecumenical Meat Saturday in 2019 - March 2

Meat-free Parents' Saturday in 2019 - March 2(8 days before the start of Lent 2019. Why is this memorial Saturday called Ecumenical? The fact is that on this day in Orthodox churches clergy read prayers to the glory of absolutely all Christians who lived on Earth and underwent the rite of baptism. Ecumenical parental Saturdays a year only two - Myasopustnaya and Troitskaya.

Meat-eating Saturday is also called Little Maslenitsa, since the memorial day falls on meat-eating week, that is, the last week before Maslenitsa. In churches, special rituals are held, prayers are read for all Christians (from Adam to contemporaries), regardless of the region of their residence and burial. Also held ecumenical funeral services, which represent funeral services. People pray that God will give peace to the souls of the departed and have mercy, relieving them of all earthly sins.

According to Slavic customs, housewives baked pancakes on the winter memorial Saturday, the first of which was placed on the shrine (a shelf with arranged icons), the second on the windowsill. The rest of the pancakes were taken to the graves of relatives and distributed to nuns, beggars, and children. At the same time, they always asked that people feast on pancakes in the name of the repose of the souls of specific deceased. The house is cleaned, a funeral dinner is held in the evening, many dishes are placed on the table, their number should be odd.

Radonitsa in 2019 - May 7

They take with them to the churchyard Easter cakes, colored cakes, sweets (most often sweets) and other food consecrated in the church. Some of the food is distributed to the poor and children, some is placed on graves, and some is eaten by themselves. However, priests do not recommend organizing grandiose feasts near graves, because such behavior indicates disrespect for world of the dead and in particular to their deceased relatives. Otherwise, people rejoice at Radonitsa and organize a traditional funeral dinner.

Trinity Saturday in 2019 - June 15

In 2019, Trinity Saturday, which is also Ecumenical, falls on June 15. On this day, they attend funeral services held in churches, light candles for the repose of deceased relatives, and go to the cemetery. On Trinity Saturday, it is customary to decorate graves with fresh greenery, because at this time nature finally wakes up, young foliage and grass appear, and early flowers bloom.

Since Saturday is Ecumenical, on this day they commemorate not only relatives, but also all Christians who once lived on Earth and have passed on to another world. Some believers who visit graveyards voluntarily decorate graves unfamiliar to them with green branches and grass. It is also worth noting that Trinity Ecumenical Saturday is the main day when the memory of all deceased people of the Orthodox faith is venerated.

As the clergy explain, every Christian who lived on Earth contributed to the construction God's Kingdom, which will certainly be established after the second coming of Christ. It is after this event that all Christians who have ever died will be resurrected, finding an eternal happy existence. In the evening, relatives and friends are called for a funeral meal. During dinner, you must not indulge in idle fun, swear, gossip, slander or lead empty talk. The church also does not recommend drinking alcohol.

Dmitrievskaya Saturday in 2019 - November 2

November 2 (the eve of St. Demetrius of Thessaloniki) is another day of remembrance of deceased relatives. Special memorial services are held in churches. People pray for the repose of the souls of the departed, asking God to forgive them their sinful acts and grant them the Kingdom of Heaven. Many historians associate the origin of this Saturday with the Battle of Kulikovo. Dmitry Donskoy, after the victory, proposed that Orthodox dignitaries establish a day of remembrance of their souls in honor of the soldiers who fell in battle. The clergy agreed, naming Saturday in honor of Prince Dmitry.

In ancient times, Dmitriev's Saturday was considered the day when one needed to say goodbye to autumn and welcome winter. If before the onset of the Intercession they did not have time to thoroughly prepare for severe frosts, it was Dmitriev’s Saturday that was considered the final stage of preparation for winter.

On this memorial day they held general cleaning residential premises and garden plots. In the morning they attended a funeral service, in the afternoon they went to the graveyard to visit deceased relatives. In the evening we had dinner. Tables were covered with new linen tablecloths white. They displayed traditional funeral dishes (pies, kutya, pancakes with various fillings, uzvar).

Other memorial days

Commemoration of those killed in the Second World War

The date of this holiday is not transferable and always falls on May 9. The memory of the soldiers who fulfilled their duty to the people and the Motherland in 1941-1945, laying down their heads on the fields of bloody battles, is revered in a special way in Orthodoxy. The clergy note that faith in the Lord helped in overcoming difficulties, strengthened the spirit of the soldiers of the Red Army, brightened up the hardships of their military everyday life, inspiring and raising them to exploits in the name of the Fatherland.

On May 9, all Orthodox churches hold funeral Liturgies, and then memorial services for fallen soldiers. In the morning, in honor of Victory Day, parades are held, after which wreaths and flowers are ceremoniously laid at monuments, mass graves and the eternal flame. All day long people honor the veterans of this bloody war, presenting them with gifts and organizing concerts for them. Teachers from schools and universities conduct classes during which they tell students about war heroes, their courage and exploits.

In honor of the end of the war in 1945, the largest and most spectacular fireworks display at that time was given: out of a thousand artillery pieces 30 salvos were fired. To this day, you can admire the stunningly beautiful fireworks in the squares. Volunteers hand out small symbols of the holiday to passers-by - St. George ribbons, which people use to decorate cars, trees, houses and their clothes. These ribbons represent not only the memory of those who gave their lives on the battlefields, but also the strong connection between generations.

Semik

The day falls on July 25th. Every year its date changes depending on the date of Easter. Semik is always celebrated on the seventh Thursday after the Resurrection of Christ. This is where its name actually comes from. Our ancestors believed that this holiday marks the meeting of the summer period, as well as farewell to the spring season.

The permanent symbol of Semik is the birch tree, on whose branches young foliage flaunts. On the eve of the holiday, people chose a birch tree (preferably one that grew alone in a field) and dressed it up, tying ribbons on its branches. It was this ritual that allowed the tree to transfer all its power to the field and young grass, providing people with a rich harvest and contributing to their personal well-being, health, and prosperity.

According to ancient traditions, in the morning people go to the cemetery to visit their deceased relatives. They also commemorated the murdered and those who died or died a violent death, being in the places of the poor and in their wretched home. People gathered in churches for mass, bringing with them fresh plants, branches of young trees, flowers, and young grass. The floors of the temples were covered with the brought greenery. In the afternoon, festivities and general fun began, and in the evening festive tables were set.

Official day of remembrance and mourning

The date of this tragic day of memory and sorrow (June 22) is also fixed. The day of the attack of Nazi Germany on the USSR. Every year people lay flowers at the monuments and graves of unknown soldiers who died in the period 1941-1945. The memory of the savagery committed by the soldiers of the 3rd Reich is still fresh. Unfortunately, there are few veterans and eyewitnesses of these terrible events left.

Surely, in every family there are relatives who died in this war - fathers, grandfathers, great-grandfathers... The inhuman torment that the Soviet people experienced during the Second World War will be immortalized in the hearts of future generations. It is probably impossible to forget about this terrible page in the history of our people. In many countries, it is customary to lower the national flag on this day. Everyone remembers the harsh period of the war and the people who, at the cost own lives led the country to victory.

Very often, on June 22, films dedicated to the heroism of the Red Army soldiers and Soviet people generally. Evenings in memory of the victims of the Second World War are also held. During these evenings, it is customary to honor the memory of those who fell in battle with a minute of silence, serving as a symbol of universal mourning. Everyone present falls silent, the lights turn off and many lights from lit candles and lighters flash in the darkness. On June 22, it is customary to mourn not only one’s relatives who perished in the millstones of that terrifying war, but also all the warriors who showed incredible courage and laid down their lives for the peaceful life of their descendants.

Memory of Orthodox Warriors

The Day of Remembrance of Fallen Soldiers of the Orthodox Faith falls on September 11th. On the same day, Christians celebrate the Great religious holiday, called the Beheading of the Prophet, better known as the Beheading of the Forerunner or the Beheading. According to Christian canons, on September 11 it is not necessary to visit cemeteries and funeral services held in churches. However, it is important to remember the fallen Orthodox soldiers with kind thoughts and words, especially while at the festive table.

During the evening funeral meal use a large number of alcohol-containing drinks, dancing and singing songs is prohibited. This is due not only to disrespect for the fallen Christian soldiers, but also to the fact that the day coincides with the day of the great church holiday - the Beheading of the Forerunner. In this regard, round-shaped vegetables and fruits are not placed on the funeral table, and guests do not use cutting cutlery. Food cannot be served on platters, since according to legend, the severed head of John the Baptist was brought to Herod on a platter.

Demetrius Saturday, which in 2019 is celebrated on November 2, is an Orthodox tradition to remember deceased parents, relatives and all victims of Orthodox faith. On Memorial Day, a special tribute is paid to the memory of departed parents.

In His fifth commandment, the Lord said that we are all obliged to honor our parents, living and dead, so that the days of our children and grandchildren on earth will be extended.

In Orthodoxy there are special days when remembering the dead

The history of the emergence of Dmitrievskaya parental Saturday

According to Archbishop Demetrius, it was the establishment of Demetrius Saturday that contributed to the abolition of pagan funeral rites - funeral feasts. Triznas were served by the pagans during the burial of the deceased, during which ritual dances, songs and even warrior competitions were performed. The deceased was burned on a ritual pyre, around which funeral feasts were then held, which later turned into wakes.

The Day of Remembrance of the Dead in early November was established by the Grand Duke Dmitry Donskoy himself, and Sergius of Radonezh blessed this undertaking.

In 1380, the battle took place on the Kulikovo Field, in which several hundred thousand Russians and two monks died, who were buried under the walls of the Trinity-Sergius Monastery. In memory of the fallen soldiers, Dmitry Donskoy proposed to celebrate the day of remembrance before the feast of St. Demetrius of Thessaloniki.

This proposal was accepted, because the Russian victory cost the lives of thousands of fathers, husbands and sons who were mourned in their families. Demetrius Saturday is celebrated on the eve of the day of memory of the great Demetrius of Thessaloniki, November 8. Saturday Parents' Day is celebrated on the Saturday closest to this holiday.

For information! November 4 Orthodox world celebrates the day of the icon of the Mother of God; if this day coincides with parental Saturday, it is moved to the last Saturday of October.

Who is Demetrius of Thessaloniki

Among the Thessalonian Christians in the fourth century was a Roman proconsul who had a son, Demetrius. The proconsul's family were secret Christians. After the death of his father, the young man was called to Emperor Galerius Maximilian to appoint him to the post of his deceased parent.

The emperor made his demands clear to the young proconsul:

• protect the city from the invasion of barbarians;
• to keep order;
• destroy Christianity.

If the first two tasks were successfully completed, then problems arose with the third. The once secret Christian Demetrius of Thessalonica began to openly preach the ideas of Jesus Christ, eradicating paganism and the worship of foreign idol gods. It is difficult to describe the anger of Emperor Maximilian, who learned about the Christian activities of the young proconsul during his return from the Black Sea campaign.

An angry Galerius sends an army to Thessalonica to destroy the Thessalonians who converted to Christianity. Saint Demetrius foresaw a cruel punishment; he gave away all his wealth and spent the time before meeting with the emperor in fasting and prayer.

Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica

The faithful son of the Living God boldly met his executioner, telling him everything about the vanity of the sinful Roman world, for which he was thrown into prison.

In honor of his victory, the emperor staged battles in the city. Ordinary Christians were forced to fight against the strong and experienced fighter Leah, the ruler’s favorite, who fell dead one after another. Saint Thessalonica blessed his friend Nestor for the battle, who defeated Leah by throwing him onto his spears. Nestor himself was immediately executed for the death of the imperial favorite.

The terrible execution of Saint Demetrius himself took place on November 8, 306. The young man's body was pierced with many spears and thrown outside the city walls to stray animals. The saint's faithful disciples buried him secretly.

100 years later Equal to the Apostles Constantine ordered to build a church over the grave of the saint. During excavations, builders discovered an incorrupt body. Initially, a basilica named after Demetrius of Thessalonica was built above the saint’s burial place, in which miracles of healing constantly took place.

The incorrupt relics were kept in a silver ciborium, a special silver box with the face of the saint. Anyone could go inside and pray in front of the relics. Subsequently, in the 16th century, the holy relics were taken to the Italian city of San Lorenzo in Campo. Only in 1978 were some of the relics returned to Thessaloniki. The veneration of Saint Demetrius of Thessalonica in Rus' began to be celebrated from the day of baptism.

Orthodox traditions of St. Demetrius Saturday

On Parents' Saturday, Christians are required to attend the funeral service and litany in church, after which they remember their deceased relatives at funeral dinners. If circumstances permit, you should visit the grave of deceased parents and relatives; for this, people often travel from different cities and villages.

Advice! If you are unable to visit the graves of your relatives, as well as visit the temple, be sure to read morning prayer

Prayer for the deceased

Prayer for dead people is an invaluable service to the departed soul. A deceased person does not need monuments or memorial meals, these are purely Russian traditions, but the soul of the deceased is eternally alive, and it needs constant prayer.

On Parents' Saturday, Christians must attend church.

Rest, O Lord, and forgive all sins, voluntary and involuntary, grant the Kingdom of Heaven, Lord, to the souls of my departed relatives:

• parents;
• relatives;
• benefactors;
• to all Christians who died for the Orthodox faith.

In this case, the names of the deceased should be given, who in Orthodox families, as a rule, are recorded in the commemoration book. God is love, and it is the duty of every Christian to fulfill the commandment to treat one’s neighbor with love.

There is no consensus among the Orthodox priesthood whether it is possible to pray for unbaptized relatives. Some monasteries even warn that only those who have been baptized are remembered in prayers, so as not to take upon themselves the sins of those who have not converted to Orthodoxy.

Some priests, such as Sergei Kruglov, on the contrary, argue that prayer for the unbaptized is a special alms, because it is much harder for such a soul after the death of a person. This does not apply to heretics, conscious atheists, but they ask God for such during home prayers.

Commemoration in the temple

By Orthodox tradition relatives of the deceased come to the temple service, which begins on Friday, the eve of St. Demetrius Saturday. During parastas, prayers are read for the deceased, and troparia and chants are dedicated to them.

Bread products, sweets, honey, nuts, fruits are brought to the temple

Saturday after Divine Liturgy A memorial service is served, before which Christians submit notes with the names of the deceased, preferably written in block letters in the genitive case.

Remember who? Alexandra, Maria and others. You must write your full name.

Important! According to Orthodox tradition, on this day bread products, sweets, honey, nuts, and fruits are brought to the temple, but it is forbidden to place meat and alcohol products on the canon.

Some Christians bring flour for baking prosphora, wine for communion, and oil for lighting lamps as a donation.

Among the lit candles and choral chants while burning incense stand living Christians and departed souls. They are invisibly present when funeral prayer, in which our petitions and consolations are heard, offering praise to the great and merciful Almighty God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Parents' Saturday: Orthodox Christians remember relatives and friends

Parents' Saturday is a day of remembrance of deceased relatives, especially parents. In churches at this time there are memorial services for deceased Christians, so it is believed that this best time in order to light a candle and order a prayer “for the repose”. There are no exact dates that would be relevant every year, as there are no exact date Maslenitsa, Easter, Easter Lent.

All Parents' Saturdays 2019 according to the Orthodox calendar

Parents' Saturdays are intended to remember the dead, going to church and to the cemetery, so some routine duties may be prohibited.

What you can and cannot do on Parents' Saturday

Job

The church does not strictly prohibit work, but priests say that time to attend services still needs to be found. The first thing you should do is come to the temple and give notes for the deceased. After this you can go about your business. In extreme cases, you will have to read a prayer at work, the main thing is to remember those who recently left us.

Country house

You should not work in the garden. If you believe the signs, plants planted on the memorial day will either not bear fruit or will not grow at all.

Bath

Any hygiene procedures are encouraged. If you live in a private house and have your own bathhouse, leave a broom there after the procedures - this is a tradition.

Cleaning

The priests forbid cleaning on Parents' Saturday. It is believed that before its onset the house should already be clean, so you will have to take care of order in advance. Otherwise, you will show disrespect for the memory of deceased relatives.

Baptism and Communion

Baptism for believers and for the church is a rite of first importance. Therefore, there are no restrictions on it either on Parents’ Saturdays or on other holidays. But priests recommend taking communion on Sunday. This will be more convenient for you, because there are fewer people in the church on Sunday than on Parents’ Saturday.

Traditions and customs on Parents' Saturdays

The fifth commandment talks about the need to honor your mother and father. Parents' Saturdays are celebrated precisely in order to fully show respect and reverence for parents, even if they are no longer alive.

Meat Saturday, March 2, 2019

The first Parent's Saturday of the year is celebrated 8 days before the start of Lent. They commemorate not only relatives - all deceased Orthodox Christians. Previously, in Rus', pancakes were prepared on this day. The first was left at home near the icons, the second - on the windowsill. The rest of the pancakes were either taken to the graves of relatives, or distributed to the poor, asking them to pray for specific person. In the evening, a funeral dinner was held, always consisting of an odd number of dishes. Now treats are brought to church. Deceased relatives need to light a candle for their repose; it is advisable to give a note with their names so that they are mentioned at the liturgy.

Parents' Saturdays during Lent

Since on the rest of his days it is forbidden to light candles for the repose and it is impossible to order a magpie, this is done on Parents' Saturdays. After the church service, you should definitely visit the cemetery. The funeral food that is usually brought to church must be fast.

Radonitsa May 7, 2019

Trinity June 15, 2019

It is customary to remember not only one’s relatives, but also all deceased Christians on earth. They go to church, visit the cemetery, decorate the graves with greenery, and pray for peace. In the evening, a funeral dinner is held, at which no fun or swearing is allowed. It should pass quietly, in memories of departed family members. The church does not recommend drinking alcohol on this day.

In the Russian Orthodox Church there is a tradition of taking certain days in the year for the general remembrance of the dead. One of them is Dmitrievskaya Parents' Saturday.

On this day, all the dead are remembered - memorial services are held, the graves of the deceased are visited, relatives and friends gather for memorial meals.

Thousands of Christians come to Orthodox churches, light candles, bring bread and other products, write notes for the repose. Faith in God and love for neighbors is alive!

What November is Parents' Saturday?

Orthodox prayer books contain a prayer for the dead, which Christians read at home during their daily cell rule. But the church considered it necessary to spend several days a year in church-wide commemoration of the dead. Why?

The Holy Fathers compare cell prayer to a small boat in which a Christian himself fights huge waves with one or two oars. And the church one - with a large ship with sails and many rowers. From this comparison it becomes clear which prayer will be stronger and will be able to reach God.

On November 8, the church honors the memory of one of its saints - the Great Martyr. Dmitry Solunsky. And on the Saturday preceding this day, the day of general remembrance of the dead is celebrated.

The establishment of this tradition is attributed to Prince Dimitri Donskoy, who introduced it after the bloody Battle of the Don. This year the funeral day falls on November 3.

It is called parental because we have a duty as Orthodox Christians to pray for our father and mother - those people thanks to whom we got the opportunity to live on earth.

Story

Saint Prince Dmitry was orphaned at the age of 9 and subsequently remained close to St. Alexey. Subsequently, the matured prince did not start anything without the blessing of the church.

It was built on the foundations of faith family life. St. Petersburg became the successor of two of the prince's born children. Sergius of Radonezh, with whom Dmitry always maintained close contact.

Before the decisive battle, the prince stopped by the monastery and received the blessing of the elder for the battle, who predicted a good outcome for him. After the end of the battle and the complete defeat of the enemy, Dmitry immediately went back to the elder to thank him for his prayers.

Memorial services began to be held for the fallen soldiers. A special day was even set aside for this (shortly before the Grand Duke’s name day), which was called Demetrius Saturday.

Dmitrievskaya Parent Saturday Service

On this day, liturgy is served in churches. It is supplemented by funeral prayers and other church chants. If any church holiday falls on this day, then the commemoration is moved to an earlier Saturday.

In the liturgical charter, this day is not mentioned as a funeral day, unlike Ecumenical Parental Saturdays. There is an opinion that it replaced the pagan funeral feasts that existed among the Slavs at that time.

Previously Dmitrievskaya Saturday in Rus' they were greeted solemnly. Requiem services were served at the graves of deceased relatives and meals were held. It was believed that the deceased soul also took part in the funeral dinner, so anyone’s refusal to feast on the ashes was perceived as a sin.

Among the people, this memorial day was considered the main one (called Grandfather's Saturday), since autumn always had great importance in the life of peasants.

Is it possible to work

Parents' Saturday must begin with a visit to church. The deceased really look forward to our prayers, because they bring them significant relief in the other world.

Each of us can light a candle for a father, mother, brother or sister who has passed away. If it is not possible to visit the temple, then it is necessary to perform fervent prayer at home.

You can pass notes to the temple through other people, for example, neighbors, relatives, and ask them to light a candle for the repose. All names in the notes must be written in the church style. Svetlana is Fotinia, and instead of Yuri you should write George.

The name that the person received at baptism should be written. If nothing is known or forgotten about him, this issue should be resolved through the priest.

On this day, it is customary to bring food and alms to the temple for poor people and distribute them to everyone who wishes. After the end of service Orthodox people they visit the graves of the deceased, put them in order, read prayers, and arrange memorial meals.

A visit to the temple should begin with the Friday evening service. A great dirge is read there. In the morning, on Saturday, a liturgy with funeral prayers is served. Afterwards there is a general funeral service.

After completing all the necessary actions to commemorate the deceased, you can, if desired (possible), devote time to other activities or work. In Rus', on memorial days, women always cleaned, cooked, and baked pies.

Dmitrievskaya Parental Saturday is the day on which Orthodox believers pay tribute to the memory of their ancestors.
The remembrance of the dead is traditionally performed on the first Saturday of November, November 3, 2018.
It’s very old and probably many don’t remember why Orthodox people commemorate their dead at this particular time. There are several Parents' Saturdays throughout the year, and this one is special...

Saturday in Holy Scripture is a special day. In the Old Testament it is a day of rest, and in the New Testament it is a day of forgiveness and remission of sins. And it is no coincidence that Saturday was chosen by the Church for the cathedral commemoration of the heroes of the Battle of Kulikovo. The day before holiday- Resurrection, when, according to custom, all Christians should be in church, believers gathered to pray for the repose of the souls of brothers in faith.

...That day was a day of great joy and great sadness. The messenger of Prince Dimitri reached the gates of Moscow in a matter of days, and by the time the militia returned, the residents - priests, monks and laymen, old and young - with icons and banners went to the outskirts of the city, to the place below Yegoryevskaya Hill, where the street leading to The Kremlin and big trade.

Now it is called Varvarka (in honor of the Church of St. Great Martyr Barbara, built later, at its very beginning).

From Kulishki one could see the domes of the temple in honor of the Holy Great Martyr and Victorious George - “Egoria”, as it was popularly called. Along this very street, asking for a blessing from the patron saint of Moscow, the Russian militia marched to the Battle of Kulikovo. It was decided to go back along the same street. The road of hope, prayer, thanksgiving and tears - that’s what it became for the militia and the townspeople.

Wives, mothers, children and elders were eagerly awaiting theirs. “The messenger brought the news that the losses were enormous. “They went out to meet the prince and the squad, knowing that a great many carts with the wounded and dead were following them. Shouts of joy, crying, glorification of God, and over this entire sea - a heartfelt prayer for the repose of the souls of the Orthodox soldiers killed on the Kulikovo field.

Never before had the Russian army known such a victory. It was like holy wars from history Old Testament, when God Himself fought on the side of ancient Israel, when victory was given not by numbers and military skill, but by faith in His undoubted and close help.

Just as King David, still a boy, came out to meet the giant with a sling in his hand, and with the invocation of the Name of God he crushed the wicked woman, so this time from the timid camp he met Chelubey, dressed in heavy armor, the monk Alexander Peresvet rode out with only one spear in his hands.

On September 8, 1380, a similar miracle was seen by many thousands Russian army. Having struck the enemy with one blow, the monk fell dead and betrayed his soul to God, but this was enough for the Russian regiments to come forward with prayer.

On that day the word was fulfilled St. Sergius Radonezh, who foreshadowed victory for Prince Dimitri Ioannovich, but victory at a high price. Of the 150,000 militias, only 40,000 returned to Moscow. However, from that moment on, Rus' began to live with the hope of liberation from the Horde yoke.

Immediately upon his return, Prince Dimitri ordered memorial services to be served for those killed in all churches and monasteries. Lists of the dead were immediately compiled and distributed to parishes and monasteries. Many warriors remained forever unknown, and in those days the Orthodox Church unitedly prayed for the forgiveness of sins and for the repose of all Russian warriors, known and unknown, who laid down their lives for Rus', for the Orthodox faith.

The city lived with one sigh of prayer. In front of the altars in the light of chandeliers and under the arches monastic cells, in the boyars' chambers and in cramped huts, by the lights of penny candles, the Gospel and the Psalter were read with the memory of the fallen governors, thousand and centurions and all Orthodox militias. People who did not know how to read and write prayed from their hearts with tears and bows to the ground in front of dark images and on the porches of churches. Every year on the same autumn Saturday, Prince Demetrius established a memorial service in memory of those killed.

Over time, the established custom changed somewhat: the prayer for fallen soldiers began to be joined by prayer for deceased relatives and for all Orthodox Christians who have died from time to time. It was then that “Dimitrovskaya Saturday” - as it was called in memory of Prince Dimitri Donskoy - began to be called “parental”.

Since ancient times in Russian Orthodox Church- it's day common prayer about the departed, a day of hope for God's mercy. The custom established in the Church since the time of Prince Dimitri Ioannovich turned out to be the “connecting thread” that united many generations of Russian people with a sense of conciliarity and church unity.

What to do on Dmitrievskaya Parents' Saturday

In Rus' it was believed that this day marks the transition from autumn to winter. Severe frosts began, for which people prepared in advance. Despite the fact that many tried to complete their work on the farm even before Intercession on October 14, some for some reason did not have time to do this, and then they tried to complete the preparations before Dmitrievskaya Saturday.

The funeral meal is held after the service. On Dmitrievskaya Saturday, it is customary to set a rich table, which must include dishes that your deceased loved ones loved during their lifetime.

The most important dish on the table were pies: the housewife must prepare a lot of pastries with with different fillings. In ancient times it was believed that this could appease and please the deceased.

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During the funeral meal, it was necessary to place a separate clean plate on the table, where each relative put one spoon of his food. This dish was left overnight so that the deceased could come and eat with his family.

Before parents' Saturday, on Friday, the hostess after dinner must clear everything from the table and lay out a clean tablecloth. Then re-set the table and place freshly prepared dishes. Thus, in ancient times, the deceased was called to the table.

On Dmitrievskaya Parental Saturday, the family of the deceased should remember only good things about him, share warm memories that are associated with the deceased. This way you let the soul of the deceased know that you still remember and love him.

Despite the fact that during many church events it is strictly forbidden to do household chores, this does not apply to Dmitrievskaya parental Saturday. On the contrary, on this day you should do a general cleaning and then wash yourself.

Our ancestors always left a fresh broom in the bathhouse and clean water for the deceased, to appease the soul of the deceased. The most important thing is that your household chores do not interfere with attending church.

On Parents' Saturday it is customary to go to the cemetery. The grave of the deceased needs to be put in order and cleaned. After this, pray for the repose of his soul.

On St. Demetrius Saturday, it is customary to feed the poor so that they pray for the soul of your deceased relative.

How to remember: Prayer for the departed

Rest, O Lord, the souls of Your departed servants: my parents, relatives, benefactors (their names) and all Orthodox Christians, and forgive them all sins, voluntary and involuntary, and grant them the Kingdom of Heaven.

It is more convenient to read names from a commemoration book - a small book where the names of living and deceased relatives are written down.

There is a pious custom of conducting family memorials, reading which in home prayer, and during church service, Orthodox people remember by name many generations of their deceased ancestors.

As a rule, bread, sweets, fruits, vegetables, etc. are placed on the canon. You can bring flour for prosphora, Cahors for the liturgy, candles and oil for lamps. You are not allowed to bring meat products or strong alcoholic drinks.

Signs for Dmitrievskaya Parents' Saturday and sayings

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When it was warm outside, they said: “The dead are happy for us.” During Grandfather's Week, parents will also sigh. If your parents are alive, honor them, but if they are dead, remember them. The grandfathers did not know trouble, but the grandchildren knew torment. Do not remember the deceased with evil, but with kindness - as you wish.

• Remember the living with goodness, and the dead with green wine.
• No beer, no wine - and no wake.
• Man is born to die, dies to live.
• The earth is heavy, but when you pour some beer and wine on it, everything will become easier.
• Remember good, forget evil.
• A Russian person cannot live without relatives.
• A man is strong with his family. And the field is great, but not native.
• Dmitriev's Saturday - work for the partygoers.
• Drink, don’t regret, remember more joyfully.
• The deceased have more fun with cheerful memorial workers.
• The girls are cunning on Dmitry (they are going to get married, so after this day there are rarely weddings in the villages before the winter meat-eater).
• Round dances from Yegor, gatherings from Dmitry. It’s not always Saturday for the priestly guys of Dmitriev. Parents will have a rest during Grandfather's Week, there will be a thaw - the whole winter will be warm.
• During Grandfather's Week, all of Rus' resembles a single great candle.