In the Orthodox Church calendar, days specifically dedicated to the remembrance of the departed are known as Parental Saturdays. The first of these in 2025 falls on February 22nd. This article will provide a comprehensive schedule of these memorial days, explain how Ecumenical Parental Saturdays differ from regular ones, and delve into the associated traditions and beliefs.
Parental Saturdays in 2025
Each year, the Orthodox calendar includes several special days for remembering the deceased, known as “Parental Saturdays.” While they typically fall on a Saturday, they can occasionally occur on other days of the week. In 2025, Parental Saturdays are observed on the following dates:
- February 22: Ecumenical (Meatfare) Parental Saturday
- March 15: 2nd week of Great Lent
- March 22: 3rd week of Great Lent
- March 29: 4th week of Great Lent
- April 29: Radunitsa
- May 9: Day of Remembrance for Fallen Soldiers of the Great Patriotic War
- June 7: Trinity Parental Saturday
- September 11: Day of Remembrance for Orthodox Warriors
- November 1: Demetrius Parental Saturday
The term “parental” has several explanations. One theory suggests that in earlier times, “parents” referred not only to one`s mother and father but also to all departed ancestors.
The Essence of Each Day of Remembrance
Orthodox Christians are called to remember their deceased relatives and loved ones almost every Saturday. However, Parental Saturdays hold a special significance, as some of them are closely tied to key Christian events like Pascha (Easter) and Great Lent. On these days, believers traditionally visit churches to pray and light candles for the departed, and also go to cemeteries to tend to graves. It is important to pray not only for one`s own family but for all departed souls.
Besides Parental Saturdays, other crucial memorial days after a person`s death include the third, ninth, and fortieth days, as well as death anniversaries.
Days of Remembrance for the Departed in the Orthodox Calendar
Parental Saturdays can broadly be categorized into two groups: those with fixed dates and those that vary annually, being tied to movable Christian feasts.
Dates of Parental Saturdays in 2025
In 2025, the Orthodox calendar marks February 22nd as the first Ecumenical Parental Saturday, also known as Meatfare Saturday, which precedes the start of Great Lent. A significant portion of these memorial days occur in spring, including three Saturdays during Great Lent (March 15th, 22nd, and 29th). Radunitsa (April 29th, 2025) is observed in late April, its date being dependent on Pascha. Also in spring, on May 9th, the memory of those who fell in the Great Patriotic War is honored. Trinity Parental Saturday (June 7th, 2025) is also tied to the Paschal cycle. The year concludes with Demetrius Parental Saturday on November 1st.
Ecumenical Parental Saturdays
Among all memorial days, two Parental Saturdays hold a special status and are referred to as Ecumenical. On these days, believers pray not only for their departed loved ones but also for all Orthodox Christians who have passed away “since the beginning of time,” meaning throughout history. These are Meatfare Saturday and Trinity Saturday.
Meatfare Parental Saturday
In 2025, Meatfare Parental Saturday falls on February 22nd, just over a week before the start of Great Lent. It is followed by Maslenitsa (Shrovetide week), and the week preceding Maslenitsa is specifically called Meatfare Week.
Trinity Parental Saturday
Trinity Parental Saturday in 2025 is observed on June 7th, immediately preceding one of the most significant Christian holidays – Holy Trinity Day (Pentecost). The date of this memorial day, like many others, is determined relative to the date of Pascha.
Radunitsa
The name “Radunitsa” derives from the word “joy.” This unique memorial day, despite the term “Parental Saturday,” always falls not on a Saturday, but on a Tuesday – specifically, the ninth day after the celebration of Pascha. In 2025, Radunitsa is on April 29th. As with other days of remembrance, on Radunitsa, believers visit cemeteries, pray for the departed, and attend church services.
Demetrius Parental Saturday
Demetrius Parental Saturday, observed on November 1st in 2025, is closely linked to the feast day of the Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessaloniki. The history of this memorial day also honors another Dmitry – Prince Dmitry Donskoy. The tradition of commemorating fallen warriors first, and then all departed Christians, on this day originated after the Battle of Kulikovo.
Parental Saturdays in Honor of Fallen Warriors
The Orthodox Church calendar includes several special days dedicated to the remembrance of warriors who sacrificed their lives for their homeland.
Day of Remembrance for All Those Who Died in the Great Patriotic War
The tradition of commemorating those who died during the Great Patriotic War on May 9th, alongside Victory Day, is relatively recent, established in 1994. On this day, prayers are offered not only for the fallen but also for veterans who survived the war and passed away in peacetime.
Day of Remembrance for Orthodox Warriors Slain on the Battlefield for Faith, Tsar, and Fatherland
The Day of Remembrance for Orthodox warriors who fell in battle “for faith, Tsar, and Fatherland” is observed on September 11th. This tradition originated in the 18th century during the Russo-Turkish Wars, but it is not universally practiced today, and memorial services (panikhidas) are not held in all churches on this day.
Church Services and Prayers
Memorial days, known as Parental Saturdays, have established traditions. Orthodox believers begin commemorating the departed on the eve of the appointed day, with a special evening service called “Parastas.” Parental Saturday itself begins with morning divine services, including the Liturgy for the Departed, followed by a Panikhida (memorial service). During these services, the faithful offer prayers not only for their relatives and close ones but for all departed, especially those who have no one else to pray for them. Parishioners can submit “for the repose” slips with the names of those to be remembered.
Prayers are offered not only in churches but also at cemeteries, where believers can recite any prayer for the departed, such as a prayer for a deceased Christian or a prayer for a widow/widower.
How to Pray for the Departed
Sincere prayers hold immense importance. It is believed that through prayer, the souls of the departed can find peace, and their sins can be forgiven through the intercession of their loved ones. The more frequently a person remembers the departed, not only on Parental Saturdays but on any other day, the more beneficial it is considered to be.
What to Do on Parental Saturdays
The most important actions on Parental Saturday are prayers for the departed and attending church services. Many believers also visit cemeteries to tidy up their relatives` graves (remove rubbish, weed, paint fences) or simply to silently honor the memory of their ancestors resting there. Since Parental Saturdays commemorate not only one`s own relatives but all departed Christians, it is also encouraged for believers to pay attention to neighboring graves at the cemetery, especially old or neglected ones that no one cares for. These can also be tidied up.
Another important tradition is charity: on these days, one can give alms or otherwise help those in need.
The remembrance is often accompanied by a memorial meal, the central dish of which is kutia. This dish is prepared from whole, yet softly boiled grains (such as wheat or barley), to which honey, nuts, or various dried fruits can be added. Kutia symbolizes resurrection from the dead, a meaning encapsulated in the Gospel of John: “Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”
What to Bring to the Cemetery
There is a common unofficial tradition of bringing various foods to the cemetery on Parental Saturday, often leaving some products directly on the graves. However, this practice of “offerings” is not part of Orthodox tradition. It is especially inappropriate to bring alcoholic beverages or organize noisy feasts with spirits at the cemetery. Instead, it is recommended to light a lampada (oil lamp) on the grave (while observing fire safety rules) and pray for the departed.
Why Bring Food to Church
The tradition of bringing food to church, on the other hand, holds a much more significant meaning for Orthodox believers. Historically, on these days, the faithful would gather in churches and set a common table, collectively remembering the deceased. Nowadays, products brought to church are distributed to those in need. These can include bread, grains, vegetables, and other Lenten foods; however, meat and meat products are not customarily brought.
What Not to Do on Parental Saturdays
On Parental Saturdays, certain prohibitions apply:
- One should not give in to despondency or despair.
- It is forbidden to speak ill of or condemn the departed.
- Avoid noisy celebrations and festivities.
- Do not consume alcohol at the cemetery.
- Do not leave food on graves.
- Do not quarrel or argue.
Omens and Superstitions
Many calendar days are surrounded by folk beliefs and superstitions, and Parental Saturdays are no exception. However, the Orthodox Church generally discourages belief in such things. Among common superstitions are the prohibition against picking up anything dropped on the ground at a cemetery. It is also considered inappropriate to plan celebrations or festivities on Parental Saturday, as this day is dedicated to commemorating the departed. Another belief suggests that on the night leading up to Parental Saturday, one has a high chance of having a prophetic dream.
