The main prohibitions of Dmitrievsky Parental Saturday on November 1: what not to do

Dmitrievskaya Parental Saturday is an important day of commemoration in the Orthodox calendar, when believers remember their deceased relatives and read prayers for them. This day unites the living and the dead in common prayer and reminds of the spiritual continuity of generations. Details can be found in the Izvestia article.

What is Dmitrievskaya Parental Saturday?

Dmitrievskaya Parental Saturday is one of the main days of commemoration of the deceased in the Orthodox tradition, when believers turn to God with prayers for their deceased relatives and loved ones. In the church calendar, such days are called parental Saturdays. Their purpose is to remind the living of the indissoluble spiritual bond between generations and to support the souls of the deceased with prayer and good deeds.

The day got its name in honor of the holy Great Martyr Dmitry Solunsky, whose memory is celebrated on the same autumn days. The tradition was established back in ancient Russia, when funeral services and mass commemorations of fallen soldiers were held on this day.

Over time, the custom spread everywhere: Orthodox Christians came to cemeteries, tended to the graves of their relatives, brought candles and read prayers, believing that the light and warmth of living hearts help the souls of the dead to find peace.

In Orthodox culture, Parental Saturdays are considered a time of spiritual purification and inner concentration. Memorial services and litanies are served in churches, funeral prayers are read, and at home believers remember the dead in silence and prayer, light candles and give alms. Special importance is attached to prayers for the recently deceased, as well as for those for whom there is no one else to pray, whose names are forgotten, but the church preserves their memory.

Dmitrievskaya Parents' Saturday in 2025

In 2025, Dmitrievskaya Parental Saturday will be celebrated on November 1. The date always falls on Saturday, as this day of the week in the Christian tradition is associated with the commemoration of the dead. Preparations for it begin in advance: believers clean graves, order services, and make lists of names for prayers.

This day is of particular importance for residents of rural areas and small towns, where ancient customs are preserved especially carefully. In large parishes, services are held solemnly: priests celebrate funeral liturgies, read the akathist to St. Dmitry of Thessalonica and pray for all the deceased Orthodox. In some regions, after the service, parishioners go to cemeteries, where they commemorate in silence.

Folk signs and prohibitions on October 31: what can and cannot be done

Traditions of Dmitrievskaya Saturday

The main tradition of Dmitrievsky Parental Saturday is considered to be a visit to the cemetery. Believers tidy up the graves of their relatives, bring flowers, light candles and say prayers. It's a time when families come together, remember the dead, and share stories about them.

In addition to temple commemoration, it is customary to give alms — to distribute food, bread, sweets or donations to those in need. It is believed that this helps the soul of the deceased, because the good done in the name of the deceased is counted as prayer.

A memorial table is served in the houses on this day. Kutia, pancakes, boiled buckwheat with honey remain traditional dishes. Sometimes lean pies and dried fruit compote are prepared. It is believed that a meal with the family strengthens the memory of the ancestors and reminds of the unity of the living and the dead. On this day, children are taught to respect their parents and to be grateful to past generations.

What not to do on Dmitrievskaya Saturday

On this day, the church recommends abstaining from heavy physical labor and daily activities in order to focus on prayer and spiritual communion with God.

It is forbidden to quarrel, offend loved ones, slander and have fun beyond measure. Folk tradition says that excessive joy on memorial Day can attract misfortune. It is also not customary to swear, celebrate loudly, or offend animals — such behavior was considered disrespectful to the dead.

Special attention is paid not to speak ill of the dead and not to retell rumors about them. Believers are convinced that evil words prevent souls from finding peace and can turn into trouble for living relatives. Therefore, they try to keep silence, peace and a prayerful mood in the houses on this day.