Dmitrov memorial Saturday: what to bring to church on this day

>> carry to church on Dmitrivska Memorial Saturday/Collage of Radio MAXIMUM

Dmitrivska Memorial Saturday has a special place in the autumn calendar of believers. After the transition to the New Julian calendar in Ukraine, its date changed. We tell you what to bring to church on this day.

Christian tradition has days dedicated to commemorating the dead. Days when people go to the cemetery to remember their relatives and friends. One of these days in autumn is Dmitrivska Saturday, which precedes the great martyr Dmitri of Thessalonica.

What to bring to church on Dmitrivska Memorial Saturday

Traditionally, believers bring products to the memorial service: sugar, bread, oil, cereals. In addition, notes with the names of deceased relatives are submitted, for which the priest will say a prayer for the peace of their souls.

It is important to order a memorial service in advance – it can be done the night before or immediately before the service. The priest will mention the mentioned names during the liturgy, asking the Lord to grant eternal peace to those who have gone to eternity.

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When will be Dmitrov Memorial Saturday

According to the New Julian calendar, which the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church switched to on September 1, 2023, the commemoration of St. Dmitri of Thessalonica falls on October 26. The nearest Saturday before this date is October 19. It is on this day that believers will gather to commemorate the dead.

Dmitrov memorial Saturday falls on October 19/Freepik photo

What does Dmitrov memorial Saturday symbolize

During the church year there are several commemorative Saturdays, but it is Dmitrov Saturday that has a deep meaning for the Slavic peoples. Although its origin is deeply rooted in Christianity, the origins of this custom stretch back to pagan times. In autumn, our ancestors who lived in Ukrainian lands paid respect to their deceased relatives.

This day combines Christian and pagan traditions. Believers go to the cemetery, look after the graves of loved ones, visit churches, light candles for the repose of souls, and often order a memorial service.