Memorial Saturday: what to bring to church on March 25

On Saturday, March 25, Orthodox Christians celebrate the third memorial (parental) Saturday of the month. It is celebrated in the third week of Lent, and it is customary to commemorate deceased relatives on this day. On this date, Hryhorii (Gregory), Feofan, Semen, Symeon, Symon, Aron celebrate their namesakes.

OBOZREVATEL told about the traditions of parental Saturday. And about the prohibitions associated with this day.

What to do on memorial Saturday

Traditionally, on memorial Saturdays, churches hold special funeral services. Meanwhile, special prayers are read. To remember the dead, you should bring a memorial note to church. It is better to do this on Friday evening. The note should contain the names in the genitive case. These can only be people baptized in Orthodoxy who have not committed suicide. You can also bring bread, cereals, oil, flour, sugar, salt, cookies, or candy to the church.

Saturday in the church begins with a service during which the priest reads special prayers. After the service, you can visit the cemetery and pray for the souls of the dead. You can also have a memorial meal at the grave or at home. Since it is Lent, it should be a meatless meal.

What not to do on memorial Saturday

Since this is a day of special honoring of the dead, people forbade speaking ill of them. It is better not to say anything.

You should also not have any conflicts with the living on the parental Saturday. Swearing, quarreling, and wishing evil are forbidden.

Believers are also not recommended to attend entertainment events. Drinking alcohol is also highly undesirable.

It is better not to assign homework on the memorial day. Do it in advance or postpone it to the next day.

Earlier, OBOZREVATEL told when Easter is celebrated in 2023 and whether there will be an extra day off this time.

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