What is forbidden to do during the commemoration of the deceased on St. Dmitrievsky Saturday

Dmitrievskaya Parental Saturday is one of the most revered days of commemoration of the deceased in the Orthodox calendar. On this day, believers remember their relatives and loved ones, offer prayers for them and perform acts of mercy. The holiday unites the living and the dead in a single spiritual communion, recalling the continuous connection of generations. Details can be found in the Izvestia article.

What does Dmitrievskaya Parental Saturday mean?

Dmitrievskaya Parental Saturday is dedicated to the prayerful commemoration of the dead. In the Orthodox tradition, such days are called parental Saturdays. Their goal is to strengthen the spiritual bond between the living and the departed, as well as through prayer and good deeds to help the souls of the departed find peace.

The name of the holiday is associated with the name of the holy Great Martyr Dmitry Solunsky, whose memory is celebrated on the same days. The origins of the tradition date back to Ancient Russia, when soldiers who fell in battles were commemorated on this day.

Over time, the custom spread everywhere: Orthodox Christians visited cemeteries, cleaned graves, lit candles and read prayers, believing that the light and warmth of living hearts help the souls of the dead to get closer to God.

Parental Saturdays are considered a time of spiritual purification and concentration. Memorial services, liturgies and funeral services are held in churches, while at home believers pray, light candles, remember the dead and give alms. Special attention is paid to prayers for the recently departed and for those whose names are no longer remembered, for all whose souls have remained in the eternal memory of the Church.

A special prayer on Dmitrievsky Parental Saturday: how to commemorate the dead on November 1st

When is Dmitrievskaya Saturday celebrated in 2025?

In 2025, Dmitrievskaya Parental Saturday will fall on November 1. This day always falls on Saturday, as it is considered the time of commemoration of the deceased. Preparations for the holiday begin in advance: believers put the graves in order, order funeral services, and make lists of names for prayer.

Traditions are especially reverently preserved in rural areas and small towns, where Dmitrievskaya Saturday remains an important part of community life. Solemn liturgies are celebrated in churches, akathists to St. Dmitry of Thessalonica are read, and priests commemorate all the deceased Orthodox. After the service, many people go to cemeteries, where they perform personal prayers in silence and light candles in memory of their relatives.

The main traditions of Dmitrievskaya Saturday

The main tradition of the holiday remains visiting cemeteries and commemorating the dead. Believers clean graves, bring fresh flowers, light candles and say prayers. Families come together to remember their departed relatives, share their memories, and pass on knowledge of family roots to their children.

An important part is alms — the distribution of food, bread, sweets or donations to those in need. It is believed that the good done in memory of the dead benefits their souls.

At home, families arrange a memorial dinner. Kutya, pancakes, buckwheat with honey, lean pies and dried fruit compote are placed on the table. Eating together is perceived as a symbol of spiritual unity with the ancestors, strengthening family memory and gratitude to the past generations.

Prohibitions and omens of Dmitrievsky Parental Saturday

The Church recommends abstaining from hard work, fuss and worldly entertainment on this day. In the old days, it was believed that the use of sharp and metal objects could disrupt communication with the souls of the deceased, so any household chores were postponed.

It is forbidden to quarrel, slander, show irritation or excessive fun. It was believed that noise and carelessness on Memorial Day could attract misfortune into the house. Folk tradition warns against harsh words, insults and cruel treatment of animals — this was perceived as a sign of disrespect for the dead.

It is especially important to avoid condemning the dead or retelling gossip about them. It was believed that evil words prevent souls from finding peace and can lead to troubles for the living, so they try to keep silence, concentration and a prayerful mood in their homes in order to spend the day in peace and grateful memory of their loved ones.