Dmitrov memorial Saturday: how to pray on this day

How to pray on Dmitriev Memorial Saturday/Collage of Radio MAXIMUM

Dmitriev Memorial Saturday is a day when Orthodox Christians honor the memory of all the dead by praying for their souls. In 2024, this important day will fall on Saturday, October 19.

Traditionally, before the feast of the Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessaloniki, the church especially remembers the dead. This year, the Dmitri Memorial Saturday falls on October 19. Radio MAXIMUM tells how to pray on Dmitrivsk Memorial Saturday.

How to pray on Dmitrivsky Memorial Saturday

First, as the Orthodox Church of Ukraine emphasizes, the prayers of this day were dedicated only to fallen soldiers, as St. Demetrius himself was a soldier. Later, this day became a time of prayer for all dead Christians.

In Ukraine, October-November is especially dedicated to the memory of the victims of the Holodomor, so on this day believers also remember and pray for the innocent victims of hunger. Believers pray not only for relatives and friends who have already left, but also for everyone who has left this earthly world. After all, God has no dead, everyone who has passed on to another life is alive in His spiritual kingdom.

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The day of remembrance begins with a special funeral service – parastas, which is performed on Friday evening, because the church day traditionally begins in the evening. On Saturday morning, the Divine Liturgy will be held, after which the priests will hold a memorial service.

Parishioners on this day submit notes with the names of deceased relatives, which will be mentioned during the funeral services In addition, believers bring food to help the church or the needy, doing good deeds in memory of those who are no longer among us.

Prayers for the dead

Rest, Lord, the souls of the departed slaves Your (names), forgive them all their sins, free and unfree, grant them Your Heavenly Kingdom and create an eternal memory for them. Amen.

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Repose, Lord, the souls of your departed servants: my parents (names), my relatives (names), my benefactors (names), and all those who laid down his life for the will of Ukraine (names), and all Christians, and every soul that has rested and needs Your Mercy, and forgive them all their sins, free and unfree, and give them the Kingdom of Heaven, and create an eternal memory for them ; Amen.