home · On a note · October 28th Parents' Saturday what you need. Always be in the mood. Traditions and meaning of parental Saturday

October 28th Parents' Saturday what you need. Always be in the mood. Traditions and meaning of parental Saturday

Any church date has its own characteristics that every believer should know. On the Day of Remembrance of the Dead, it is very important to observe all traditions and prohibitions in order to ward off troubles and not bring grief to your family.

Every year people celebrate Dmitrievskaya Parents' Saturday. On this day, Orthodox believers visit churches and temples to light a candle for the repose of their loved ones, and also remember relatives who have already passed on to another world. The history of the holiday begins in 1380, and the date was set by Prince Dmitry Donskoy. Previously, on Parents' Saturday, people held memorial services for fallen soldiers. It was believed that Russian soldiers are always under God's protection, and even after their death it is necessary to pray for the people who gave their lives for their homeland.

Now on memorial day, people pray for their loved ones, attend services and divine liturgies, and after that remember the dead with kind words. This can be done at home or near the grave of the deceased. It is believed that on this day the souls of the dead descend to earth, so all traditions and prohibitions should be observed in order to please them and not anger them.


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 was pies: the housewife had to prepare a lot of pastries with different fillings. In ancient times it was believed that this could appease and please the deceased.

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 and clean water in the bathhouse for the deceased in order 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.

What not to do on Dmitrievskaya Parents' Saturday

On this day it is forbidden to scold the deceased. You should remember only good things about them, otherwise you may anger their soul.

It is believed that it is strictly forbidden to remember the deceased with alcoholic beverages. However, if there is such a tradition in your family, then try to do it in moderation. The souls of the deceased may become angry due to drunkenness during the funeral meal.


Also, during remembrance, you should not laugh or sing songs. Despite the fact that the holiday is not of a mourning nature, do not forget that on this day you remember loved ones who are no longer among the living. Therefore, fun will be inappropriate.

If your deceased relative committed suicide or was not a believer during his lifetime, then you will not be able to remember him in church and light a candle for the repose of his soul. In this case, you can pray for him at home.

It is probably difficult for each of us to come to terms with the death of our loved ones, but their soul is always with us. In order for our loved ones to feel peace in another world, it is necessary to read memorial prayers for the deceased.

We wish you and your family health!

In Orthodoxy there are specially designated days for visiting cemeteries and commemorating the dead. There are only a few of them, so you need to keep a close eye on them and not miss them.

Several parental Saturdays fall during Lent. Demetrius Saturday is dedicated to the memory of St. Demetrius of Thessalonica and the feast of the Kazan Mother of God. It often happens that parental Saturdays coincide with their corresponding holidays, so memorial Saturday may be postponed.

Dmitrievskaya Parents' Saturday in 2017

In 2017, Dmitrievskaya Saturday falls on November 4, but due to the fact that the day of the Kazan Mother of God is celebrated on this date, Saturday will be moved to 28 of October. This year the rules will not change - churches throughout Russia will commemorate those who died for their country. This is a day of remembrance of deceased heroes and warriors. This parental Saturday is inseparably connected with Dmitry Donskoy and the Battle of Kulikovo.

Dmitrievskaya Saturday requires love for one's neighbor. This is the day when people who have left us are remembered only with love. Some people mistakenly believe that parents' Saturdays are dedicated only to remembering relatives, but this is not so. On October 28, all those who suddenly passed away will be remembered.

Traditions of Dmitrievskaya Saturday

Go to the temple to pray. Be sure to visit the church to confess and light a candle for the repose of a loved one. If you have the opportunity, visit a cemetery to clean up the gravesites of your deceased relatives.

Read prayers for the dead at home if you do not have the opportunity to visit the temple. Here is one of the best prayers: “Our Father, accept God’s servant (name) into your kingdom, forgive sins and all the evil committed during life, because everything is Your holy will. Open the gates of Your Kingdom for all who are worthy of Your forgiveness. In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen".

Also on Dmitrievskaya Parent Saturday, October 28, you can read the prayer “I Believe” if you feel that you need to repent of your sins. It would be even better to simply visit the temple of God to take communion and confess.

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 was pies: the housewife had to prepare a lot of pastries with different fillings. In ancient times it was believed that this could appease and please the deceased.

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 and clean water in the bathhouse for the deceased in order 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.

What not to do on Dmitrievskaya Parents' Saturday

On this day it is forbidden to scold the deceased. You should remember only good things about them, otherwise you may anger their soul.

It is believed that it is strictly forbidden to remember the deceased with alcoholic beverages. However, if there is such a tradition in your family, then try to do it in moderation. The souls of the deceased may become angry due to drunkenness during the funeral meal.

Also, during remembrance, you should not laugh or sing songs. Despite the fact that the holiday is not of a mourning nature, do not forget that on this day you remember loved ones who are no longer among the living. Therefore, fun will be inappropriate.

If your deceased relative committed suicide or was not a believer during his lifetime, then you will not be able to remember him in church and light a candle for the repose of his soul. In this case, you can pray for him at home.

It is probably difficult for each of us to come to terms with the death of our loved ones, but their soul is always with us. In order for our loved ones to feel peace in the other world, it is necessary to read memorial prayers for the deceased.

Dmitrievskaya Parental Saturday is celebrated annually by Orthodox believers. In 2017, this day falls on November 4, but in connection with the celebration of the Day of the Kazan Mother of God, parental Saturday is moved to October 28. .

The Orthodox Church calls for respect not only for the living, but also for those who have already left this world and gone to another world. It is for this purpose that throughout the year believers honor their ancestors on the so-called parental Saturdays.


You can remember deceased relatives not only in church, but also at home or at the grave of the deceased. It is customary to remember only good things about the dead; it is necessary to pray for the repose of their souls in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Dmitrievskaya Parents' Saturday: what you can do on this day

You can do household chores. It is believed that a good owner should have everything done by this day, but if suddenly for some reason this did not work out, it is not forbidden to work around the house on this day.

It is customary to cover on this day rich table. Moreover, the dishes on it should be those that were loved by the deceased relatives whom you are commemorating today.


During the funeral dinner, our ancestors put a clean plate on the table, and each of those present at the meal had to put one spoon of food from their plate into it. It was believed that in this way people invited deceased relatives to join them and taste the treats.

House cleaning and hygiene procedures- are required on this day. By taking a shower or bath, you wash away all the bad things that have accumulated over the past year.

On Dmitrievskaya Parents' Saturday it is customary go to the cemetery and offer food to the poor with a request to pray for deceased relatives.

Dmitrievskaya Parents' Saturday: what not to do on this day

In no case do not remember the sins and shortcomings of the deceased. Remember only the good, this way you allow the soul of the deceased to be blissful in heaven.

It is not advisable to drink alcoholic beverages on this day., but if it is customary in your family to remember the deceased with alcohol, do not overdo it.


At the refectory table you can’t have fun, laugh loudly and sing songs. Remember that you are still commemorating the dead.

And one last thing. If your relative committed suicide, you can also remember him. But not in a church or a cemetery, but at home.

Take care of yourself and your loved ones!

JoeInfoMedia journalist Marina Korneva recalls, as we previously wrote, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Dimitrievskaya Parents' Saturday in 2017 falls not in November, as is usually the case, but at the very end of October. Why?

In 2017, Parents' Saturday was moved to October 28 due to the coincidence with the feast of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God (November 4).

The Day of Remembrance of the Dead on Saturday on the eve of the day of remembrance of the Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica (November 8, according to the New Style) was established after the Battle of Kulikovo, which took place on the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1380.

Initially, according to the establishment of the holy Prince Demetrius Donskoy, on this day they commemorated all Russian soldiers who fell on the Kulikovo Field. Actually, this is another meaning of the name “Dimitrievskaya” Saturday.

Over time, Dimitrievskaya Saturday became the day when all Christians “dead from time immemorial (from the beginning of time)” are remembered.

Dimitrievskaya Saturday is the last parents' Saturday in 2017. The next Parents' Saturday will be celebrated on February 10, 2018.

Dimitrievskaya Parents' Saturday - what you need to know about the memorial day

Dmitrievskaya Parental Saturday falls on the nearest Saturday before the day of remembrance of the Great Martyr Dmitry of Thessalonica (day of the angel Dmitry Donskoy). He was a warrior of the heavenly and earthly king. He defended the earthly king from attacks, defended his country, people, history. But he loved, knew, worshiped and served the Heavenly King. He protected the earthly king, and glorified the heavenly one and led other people to worship of God, to faith, so that after their dormition they could be united in the kingdom of heaven.

And Dmitrievskaya parental Saturday was established after the battle on the Kulikovo field - by Grand Duke Dmitry Donskoy. After the victory over Mamai in 1380, Dmitry Donskoy visits the Trinity-Sergius Monastery to commemorate the fallen soldiers. And a little earlier, the abbot of the monastery, St. Sergius of Radonezh, blessed two of his monks - Alexander Peresvet and Andrei Oslyabya - for the war against the Mongol-Tatar yoke. Both monks died in battle. And the monk himself during the war, when he offered his prayers to God, imbued with the Holy Spirit, saw how soldiers were falling and called each soldier killed by name.

Upon the arrival of Dmitry Donskoy at the monastery, a funeral service was held, a commemoration of the Orthodox soldiers who died on the battlefield, and a common meal.

Subsequently, a tradition developed - to perform such a commemoration annually, since there were 250 thousand killed in that battle and many families felt the bitterness of loss. A little later, they began to commemorate not only the soldiers, but also all the deceased Orthodox Christians.

Parents' Saturday - how to spend the day

On Dmitrievskaya Parents' Saturday, people visit the graves of their relatives and loved ones. Memorial services, funeral litias (services) are held in churches and cemeteries, and memorial dinners are held.

On Dimitrovskaya Parental Saturday, Orthodox Christians go to churches, light candles for the Crucifixion, not icons, and write the names of their deceased loved ones in memorial notes. Notes can only mention the names of deceased relatives who were baptized during their lifetime.

You can pray for the unbaptized over their grave or at home. Another custom characteristic of Dimitrievskaya parental Saturday is to bring treats to the temple for the poor. During the service, this treat is blessed and later distributed to those who wish. Also on this day, it is customary to give alms to the poor with a request to pray for the deceased.

To remember your deceased relatives in church, you need to come to church for a service on Friday evening before parental Saturday. At this time, a great funeral service, or parastas, takes place. On the morning of Memorial Saturday, a funeral liturgy is celebrated, after which a general requiem service is served.

The commemoration of the departed is an apostolic institution, it is observed throughout the Church, and the liturgy for the departed, the offering of the Bloodless Sacrifice for their salvation, is the most powerful and effective means of asking the departed for the mercy of God.

Church commemoration is performed only for those who were baptized in the Orthodox faith.

Memorial services for suicides, as well as for those not baptized in the Orthodox faith, are not performed. Moreover, these persons cannot be commemorated at the liturgy. The Holy Church offers unceasing prayers for our departed fathers and brothers at every divine service and especially at the liturgy.

It is imperative to remember the deceased on the day of his death, birth and name day.

Days of remembrance must be spent decorously, reverently, in prayer, doing good to the poor and loved ones, in thinking about our death and future life.

You cannot have a feast or get drunk in a cemetery. There is an opinion that the wake of the deceased is an opportunity to drink a glass of other alcohol, but this is not so. The plight of the departed cannot be alleviated by this action. Only conscious prayer can convey our love to loved ones. Also not allowed on Parents' Saturday:

  • swear;
  • get drunk;
  • to swear;
  • speak ill of the deceased;
  • grieve and cry.

It is important to know that remembering does not mean being sad. To remember means to pray. The soul cannot die, it passes into another world - which one depends on the person during life. If he sinned, then his soul will suffer and languish. Only prayer, which is read by loved ones with special trepidation, will help save her from this. Therefore, every parent’s Saturday it is necessary to remember your loved ones with prayer from the bottom of your heart. The one who reads it conveys love and gratitude that he could not give to his loved one during his lifetime.

Saturdays of remembrance of those who introduced themselves are special. They are called parental, due to the fact that all the deceased went to their parents and ancestors. Read here on how to spend this day and what not to do.

What not to do on Dimitrievskaya Parent Saturday

On this day it is forbidden to scold the deceased. You should remember only good things about them, otherwise you may anger their soul.

It is believed that it is strictly forbidden to remember the deceased with alcoholic beverages. However, if there is such a tradition in your family, then try to do it in moderation. The souls of the deceased may become angry due to drunkenness during the funeral meal.

Also, during remembrance, you should not laugh or sing songs. Despite the fact that the holiday is not of a mourning nature, do not forget that on this day you remember loved ones who are no longer among the living. Therefore, fun will be inappropriate.

If your deceased relative committed suicide or was not a believer during his lifetime, then you will not be able to remember him in church and light a candle for the repose of his soul. In this case, you can pray for him at home.

What not to do on Parents' Saturday

There are many superstitions associated with prohibitions on memorial day. It is not forbidden to do housework and gardening these days, but only after going to church and reading the funeral prayer.

Most believers, when visiting a cemetery, pour alcohol into a glass at the grave or pour vodka on it, believing that if the deceased liked to drink, then they are helping him. This is unacceptable, since the soul of the deceased may suffer for the sin of drinking wine even after death.

You cannot have a feast or get drunk in a cemetery.

This year, according to the Orthodox calendar, Dmitrievskaya Parent Saturday is celebrated on October 28. This is the closest Saturday to the day of remembrance of the Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica. There are several parental Saturdays in the church calendar. On these days, memorial services are served in Orthodox churches and special commemoration of the deceased is performed.

"MIR 24" tells you how to properly celebrate Parents' Saturday: what you should and shouldn't do on this day.

What do we have to do

The most important thing we can do is to pray for the repose of our deceased loved ones. And not only about parents, although Saturday is called parental Saturday, but also about friends and acquaintances who have already left us. The best way to do this is to come to church for the morning service and write memorial notes, indicating the names of all the deceased whom we remember. You can order a memorial service and stand for it together with those praying. Or give a magpie for repose. Then they will pray for the deceased person for forty days in a row, remembering his name in the altar.

The names of only baptized people can be written in notes. For the unbaptized and those who were unbelievers during their lifetime, we can only pray on our own.

You can also bring food - any food except fish and meat - and put it on the eve. Usually lean and flour products are placed there: bread, cookies, sugar, candy, flour (regular, not pancake, since it is used for baking prosphora). You can also buy in a church shop and donate for the eve of Cahors, which will then be used for the communion of believers, or lamp oil. All this is done for the same purpose as lighting a candle - it is a way of remembering loved ones.

What else can we do to make sure our prayers are heard? Of course, do good deeds! And also give alms and donations. In any form: you can transfer money to charity, donate to a temple, distribute it to those in need, or simply make a transfer to someone you know who you know needs help.

On Parents' Saturday it is also customary to visit the graves of loved ones. But this is not necessary, but at the behest of the soul. If you want, you can. However, priests warn that without prayers this is pointless and even harmful, as it leads to despondency.

What not to do

Often in cemeteries you can see people drinking alcohol and eating food near the graves of their relatives. This contradicts all Christian traditions and is condemned by the Church. Meals in cemeteries are a pre-Christian pagan tradition that has nothing in common with Orthodoxy.

A very wild custom, akin to witchcraft and divination, is to leave food after a feast, supposedly for a deceased relative, so that he will rejoice. We, of course, believe that his soul is alive, but what does physical food have to do with it?