Dmitrievskaya parental Saturday: what is it and how to spend it
Origins of the tradition
Dmitrievskaya parental Saturday is a memorial day when the living remember the dead. It is celebrated on the Saturday before the feast of the holy Great Martyr Demetrios of Thessaloniki, which falls on November 8. The first mention of the holiday is found in the 14th century Typicon of the Studite monastery in Constantinople. It is believed that the tradition of commemorating the dead on the day before the feast of St. Demetrios was established by the Byzantine emperor Leo VI the Wise (886-912), who wanted to honor the memory of his brother, who died in battle against the Bulgarians.
Significance of the day
Dmitrievskaya parental Saturday is a day of prayer and remembrance for the departed. It is a time to visit the graves of loved ones, to pray for their souls, and to give alms to the poor in their memory. It is also a day to reflect on the brevity of life and to prepare for our own death.
How to observe the day
There are many ways to observe Dmitrievskaya parental Saturday. Some of the most common include:
- Visiting the graves of loved ones - This is a time to pray for the souls of the departed, to remember their lives, and to leave flowers or other offerings on their graves.
- Praying for the dead - There are many different prayers that can be said for the dead on Dmitrievskaya parental Saturday. Some of the most common include the Panikhida, the Trisagion, and the Prayer for the Departed.
- Giving alms to the poor - This is a way to show compassion for the less fortunate and to help those in need. It is also a way to honor the memory of the dead.
Conclusion
Dmitrievskaya parental Saturday is a day of remembrance and prayer for the dead. It is a time to reflect on the brevity of life and to prepare for our own death. By observing this day, we can show our love and respect for the departed and help them on their journey to eternal life.
