On March 9, the church calendar marks Universal Parent Saturday — the first memorial day of 2024. Liturgies and special memorial services — requiems — will take place in churches. Clergy and parishioners will remember all the deceased. During this time, it is customary to set up memorial tables and visit cemeteries.
Parent Saturdays in 2024
In the Orthodox calendar, there are eight Parent Saturdays when believers remember deceased relatives, friends, and acquaintances. In 2024, two Parent Saturdays will be observed in March, April, May, and one each in June and November:
March 9 — Meatfare Parent Saturday
March 30 — Second Saturday of Great Lent
April 6 — Third Saturday of Great Lent
April 13 — Fourth Saturday of Great Lent
May 9 — Commemoration of the Deceased Relatives
May 14 — Radonitsa
June 22 — Trinity Saturday
November 2 — Dimitriyevskaya Saturday
Two of these Saturdays — Meatfare and Trinity — are related to Universal Memorial Days. On such days, Orthodox Christians pray for the salvation of the souls of all the deceased, regardless of their kinship or acquaintance.
Universal Meatfare Parent Saturday: What Should Be Done
The Universal Parent Saturday, observed before Great Lent, is called Meatfare because it precedes Meatfare week. The date of this event varies depending on Easter. In 2024, the great Orthodox holiday will be celebrated on May 5.
The Universal Meatfare Saturday is a day of remembrance for all deceased Orthodox Christians, regardless of their kinship. During this time, it is customary to submit memorial notes with the names of deceased relatives and acquaintances. On such days, it is permissible to bring fasting food and Cahors, which is considered church wine, to the churches.
What Can and Cannot Be Done on Universal Parent Saturday
Clergy do not set strict rules about what can or cannot be done on Parent Days. The exception is prayers for the deceased and memorial services. However, if for any reason (illness, work) a person cannot visit the church, they can pray and light a candle at home.
Many traditions of memorial days have developed thanks to the people. On such days, it is customary to:
Visit the church, submit a memorial note, light a candle, and pray. One can order a requiem or memorial service.
Go to the cemetery, tidy up the grave, and clean the area around the fence.
Give alms to those in need.
Gather with relatives at a memorial table.
There are also certain prohibitions on memorial days. It is not customary to:
Hold noisy feasts.
Consume strong alcoholic beverages.
Engage in gluttony.
Quarrel, scandal, or speak disrespectfully about the deceased.
In the past, there were other prohibitions that modern people often forget. Many churches have their own rules that parishioners should follow.
What Can Be Served at the Table on Universal Parent Saturday
There are no strict restrictions on the variety of dishes during the memorial Saturday. Guests can be treated to meat and fish dishes, pastries, pancakes, as well as food prepared using milk, eggs, and butter.
The quantity of food is considered a prohibition. On such days, gluttony is not welcomed, and moderation in food consumption should be observed. As for drinks, red dry wine or Cahors, compote, and kissel can be served. For dessert, sweet pies and fruits are usually offered.
On memorial days, it is recommended not only to read prayers but also to remember deceased relatives more often. It is important to speak of them with kind words, telling children and friends what they were like. The souls of the deceased are nearby on such days, and this is worth remembering.
