Dmitrov parents' Saturday of the year. Dmitrievskaya Parents' Saturday: what to do on this day

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 they 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. Began very coldy, 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. IN 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 spend 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.

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 dead alcoholic drinks. 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, and don't forget to press the buttons and

27.10.2017 05:10

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In Orthodoxy, the days of general remembrance of the dead are usually called “parental Saturdays.” It is believed that Saturday, which is Old Testament called the day of rest, and in the New - the day of forgiveness and remission of sins, is the most appropriate time for prayers for the repose of the dead.

On such days, it is customary to go to church for services, remember deceased loved ones, visit cemeteries and tidy up the graves of relatives, give alms and treat the poor. It is believed that the more generous the alms in the church, the better the soul of the deceased feels in the next world.

Church Orthodox calendar Several such days have been established: in addition to Dmitrievskaya parental Saturday, these are

• Trinity parent's Saturday,
• Meat Saturday
• The beheading of John the Baptist,
• days of remembrance of the dead in Lent(second, third and fourth Saturdays from the beginning of Lent),
• Radonitsa.

Also established is the Day of Remembrance of those killed in the Great Patriotic War, which has a fixed date - May 9, all other days of commemoration are transferable.

On Dmitrievskaya Parent Saturday we remember the difficult bloody battle led by Dmitry Donskoy on the Kulikovo Field in 1380. Then the prophecy came true St. Sergius Radonezh, who predicted victory for the prince’s troops at a high price.

Thousands of soldiers fighting for the Fatherland died in this battle. Initially, on this day they commemorated all the military personnel who died in that battle. Over time, Dmitrievskaya Parental Saturday became the day of funeral commemoration of all deceased Orthodox Christians.

When will Dmitrievskaya Parents' Saturday take place in 2019?

Its date changes every year, so it should be checked against church calendar. The commemoration takes place annually on the Saturday before the Day of Remembrance of the Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica, celebrated on November 8 (October 26, old style). In 2019, Dmitrievskaya Parents' Saturday falls on November 2.

The night before, on Friday, a memorial service is held in churches, during which the clergy offer prayers for the dead. Believers bring food to the church as a donation (vegetables, fruits, sweets, bread, flour for prosphora, Cahors for the liturgy), candles and oil for lamps. You are not supposed to bring meat products and strong alcoholic drinks.

Although this memorable date does not apply to universal Saturdays, like Trinity and Myasopustnaya, when ecumenical memorial services are celebrated, it is also of great importance.

On Parents' Day on St. Demetrius Saturday, churches will commemorate the dead, funeral liturgies and memorial services will be served for all soldiers who died on the battlefield. (Emperor Nicholas II even issued a decree in 1903 to perform a special memorial service for the soldiers who fell for the Fatherland - “For the faith, the Tsar and the Fatherland, who laid down their lives on the battlefield”).

Also in the churches they will remember all the people who died suddenly, who were not guided into eternal life by the prayers of the Holy Church.

At the liturgy you can order the commemoration of loved ones. For this purpose, parishioners prepare notes with the names of the deceased. In such a note, you need to write in large, legible handwriting the names of those commemorated, which are listed in the genitive case. All names must be given in church spelling (for example, “Tatiana, Alexy,” and not “Tatiana, Alexey”) and in full (“Mikhail, Lyubov,” and not “Misha, Lyubov”).

If you do not have the opportunity to visit the temple and visit the cemetery on Dmitrievskaya Parents’ Saturday, November 2, 2019, you can pray for the repose of the deceased at home. At this time, it is important to get serious and put aside all homework, which distracts you from praying for the dead and thinking.

Prayers for the departed on Dmitrievskaya Parental Saturday

“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.”

“Rest the souls before those who depart in the place of refreshment, for it is not the dead who will praise Thee, Lord, those who exist in hell dare to bring confessions to Thee, but we, the living, bless Thee and pray, and offer cleansing prayers and sacrifices to Thee for their souls.”

On Demetrius Saturday, believers honor the memory of St. Demetrius, the patron saint of Russian soldiers. This Christian saint, who lived during the reign of the Roman Emperor Diocletian in the city of Thessaloniki, preached Christianity during the persecution of supporters of this religion and was executed.

Many temples built in our country are dedicated to him. On the eve of the Battle of Kulikovo, Dmitry Donskoy solemnly transferred to Moscow from Vladimir the main shrine of the Vladimir Demetrius Cathedral - the icon of the Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessaloniki, written on the board of the Saint’s tomb.

Believers offer a prayer to Saint Demetrius:

“Holy Great Martyr of Christ Demetrius! Standing boldly before the Heavenly King, ask Him for forgiveness of our sins and for us, the accursed (names), to be delivered from the all-destructive plague, fire and eternal punishment. Pray for His goodness to favor this parish (or house) and our temple. Ask us for grace-filled strengthening for good deeds, so that what is pleasing to our Master, Christ God, who works here, may be worthy through Your prayers to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven and there glorify Him, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen".

How the deceased were remembered on St. Demetrius Saturday

In the old days, on Dmitrievskaya Parental Saturday in Rus', it was customary to organize feasts in memory of deceased relatives and friends. The day before, people cleaned their houses and washed themselves. A fresh broom and clean water were left in the bathhouse for the deceased to appease the soul of the deceased.

Since Friday, the funeral table has been covered with a white tablecloth and candles have been placed on it. Housewives prepared meat dishes, the main one of which was stuffed pig head.

Traditional funeral dishes were served at the table: kutya, pancakes, pies and other favorite dishes of deceased relatives. The shape of the pies that were prepared with with different fillings(meat, cabbage, cottage cheese) had to be oblong.

For the deceased, a separate plate was placed on the table, where each relative put one spoon of his food. This offering was left overnight so that the deceased could eat with his family.

There are many signs associated with Dmitrievskaya Saturday. It is believed that if it is cold on this day and snow has already fallen, then spring will be late, and if there is a thaw, spring will be warm. In the old days they said: “Demetrius Saturday is work for the kuteiniki,” since on the eve of the holiday it was customary to serve a ritual dish - kutya - to the table, remembering the deceased.

We hope that once you find out when Dmitrievskaya Parents' Saturday will be in 2019, you will spend it in accordance with long-established traditions and pay tribute to the memory of your family, following Orthodox customs.

Christians have several special days in the year when the deceased are remembered, these are memorial parental Saturdays. The largest three are Vselenskaya, Troitskaya and Dmitrievskaya. Demetrius Saturday falls on the eve of a big holiday - Demetrius Day, which was established in honor of Dmitry Thessalonica. This day has long been considered special for all Christians.

Dmitrievskaya Saturday: history of the day

The history of this day is controversial: some Christians say that this day has only Orthodox roots, but stories indicate that Demetrius Saturday is associated with paganism.

According to official data, it has been established that Dmitrievskaya Saturday was established in honor of the soldiers who died a brave death on the Kulikovo Field. After the victory, Prince Dmitry Donskoy invited the church to remember those killed in this battle every year. The priests agreed, citing the fact that Christians died in this battle, whom their ancestors should remember. Years later, Dmitrievskaya Saturday became a parental day and on this day all the deceased are remembered.

Dmitrievskaya Parents' Saturday: when does it fall in 2019 and how to understand it?

Every year, Dmitrievskaya Saturday falls on a new day, counting from Easter and in 2019 this day falls on October 28. On this day, all Christians must go to church, hold a service, order a prayer for the dead, light a candle for the repose, and then go to the grave of their parents and relatives and take a gift and a candle to their grave.

After the cemetery everyone goes home and gathers in parental home and remember their ancestors. The table is set, candles brought from the church are lit. There is a belief that on this day the souls of the dead descend to earth and watch the living, how they maintain customs and manage their inheritance.

On the table on this day there are dishes that parents loved to eat, who are no longer there. At the table they remembered kind words everyone who has passed on to another world. There is a belief that at least 12 dishes should be present at the funeral table, and in the old days the main one was considered to be a pig's head.

On this day you should also not forget about prayers. After all, the deceased must see from heaven that on earth their ancestors go to church and honor the customs of their ancestors and the Lord.

Dmitrievskaya Parent Saturday: prayers

Many prayers are read on this day, here is one of them:

“Holy Great Martyr of Christ Demetrius! Standing boldly before the Heavenly King, ask Him for forgiveness of our sins and for us, the accursed (names), to be delivered from the all-destructive plague, fire and eternal punishment. Pray for His goodness to favor this parish (or house) and our temple. Ask us for grace-filled strengthening for good deeds, so that what is pleasing to our Master, Christ God, who works here, may be worthy through Your prayers to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven and there glorify Him, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen"

Dmitrievskaya Parents' Saturday: traditions

All believers should attend church on this day and honor the memory of their deceased ancestors. They also come to church on Friday evening before vespers. At this time, a great funeral service is performed - paratastas. All hymns, troparia and prayers are dedicated to the dead. On the morning of St. Demetrius Saturday, a funeral liturgy is celebrated in the church.

All Christians come to church with small pieces of paper on which the names of all deceased relatives are written and hand them over to the priest, who will mention them during the service. Also, donations in the form of vegetables, bread, sweets and fruits are brought to the church, but meat and wine cannot be donated.

Dmitrievskaya Parent Saturday: signs

Even in ancient times, old people noticed many features on all Christian holidays, and after that they passed on all these signs to their ancestors. Many signs have survived to this day, and Dmitrievskaya Saturday is no exception:

• Dmitriev's day - winter climbs the fence;
• It doesn’t become winter until Dmitrievskaya Saturday;
• On Dmitry the rivers freeze;
• If it is cold on this day and snow has fallen, spring will be late, and if there is a thaw, spring will be warm;
• Dmitrov Saturday - work for the partygoers;
• If Dmitriev's day is in the snow, Easter is also in the snow, and Dmitriev's day is bare, and Saint's Day is also covered in snow.

On Dmitri's Day, cunning girls want to get married as quickly as possible, and all because after this day weddings rarely happen.

It is also believed that the more generous the alms of the living in the church, the better the soul of the deceased feels in the next world.

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 funeral Saturday can be transferred.

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 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 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. Good luck and don't forget to press the buttons and

20.10.2017 01:40

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

We decided to find out what traditions should be observed on this day.

Dmitrievskaya Saturday is the last memorial day of the year, when deceased ancestors were remembered.

History of the holiday - Dmitrievskaya Parents' Saturday

The tradition of commemorating the dead on the Saturday before the day of remembrance of the Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessaloniki was established by Prince Dmitry Donskoy after the Battle of the Kulikovo Field. The Battle of Kulikovo ended on Christmas Day Holy Mother of God September 8, 1380, after which Prince Dimitri Ioannovich visited the Trinity-Sergius Lavra. At the Trinity Monastery they commemorated the Orthodox soldiers who fell in the Battle of Kulikovo, with a funeral service and a common meal.

Archbishop Dimitri believed that Dimitrievskaya parental Saturday replaced the pagan funeral feasts that previously existed among the Slavs. Trizna is part of a pagan funeral rite. Eastern Slavs, which consisted of songs, dances, feasts and military competitions in honor of the deceased. The funeral feast was performed near the burial site after the burning of the deceased. Later, this term was used as a synonym for the “wake” ritual.

Traditions, or what to do on this day

Since the beginning of the 20th century, Dmitrov Saturday was celebrated very solemnly: they went to the graves of their deceased relatives and served memorial services here, and made rich offerings to the clergy. Women wailed at the graves of their parents and closest relatives.

On the Saturday before Dmitriev's Day in Rus', a “farewell wake” was celebrated for the deceased. In central Polesie, funerals on Friday were fast and were called “grandfathers”, and on Saturday they were fast and called “baba”. Dmitrov week is called parental and grandfather's week. In Lithuania and Belarus this day was called the “Feast of the Goat”, where the goat player, guslar, priest and singer took precedence.

On Dmitrievskaya Saturday, it was customary to bake ritual pies, take them to the graves and leave them for the souls of the departed.

On Saturday night, Serbs, Montenegrins and Macedonians put bread, blessed water and wine on the table, because they believed that the souls of the dead would come at midnight. Among the Catholic neighbors (Croats and Slovenes), it was customary to go to the graves of their ancestors and light candles on them, bringing drink and food for the dead. In Serbia and Montenegro, small breads were baked for the dead, different in shape for men and women.

Like any memorial day, Dmitrov Saturday is celebrated with memorial services, funeral prayers, visits to cemeteries and special memorial meals. IN folk tradition Dmitrov Saturday The former pre-Christian customs of the Slavs, associated with the cult of ancestors, were also imprinted. So, for example, in addition to church funeral prayers, on the eve of Saturday it was customary to leave clean water and new brooms in the bathhouse for the souls of the departed. In a similar way, a specially prepared dinner was left on the table at night so that the visiting ancestors could be satisfied. Treats for the deceased were also taken to the cemetery. In general, the very scope and scale of the celebration on this day in Rus' testifies to the merging of two traditions - the pagan holiday of ancestors and the Christian day of remembrance of the dead.

In modern tradition, on this day Orthodox Christians first attend a service in the church, and then go to the graves of the dead, where they commemorate the deceased.

The day before, on Friday evening, the so-called Parastas is served in churches - a memorial evening service. And on Saturday itself, in the morning, a funeral liturgy with a memorial service takes place. As donations on this day, it is customary to take food to the temple, with the exception of strong alcoholic drinks and meat.

Please note that Dimitrievskaya Saturday is the last parents' Saturday in 2017. Next Parents' Saturday is February 10, 2018.