April 21, 2026, marks an important Orthodox day of remembrance for the deceased — Radonitsa. This is the first day when commemorations and requiem panikhidas are held after Easter and Bright Week.
Radonitsa is a movable feast. Its date depends on Easter, and it always falls on the Tuesday after Bright Week.
What is Remembered on April 21, 2026, in the Church
From Easter and throughout Bright Week after it, celebrating the great joy of the Resurrection of Christ, Orthodox Christians do not serve requiem prayers and do not perform public commemorations of the deceased during the proskomedia in the divine service. And so, on Tuesday, nine days after Easter, following Bright Week, a special day of remembrance for the deceased is established — Radonitsa. This word derives from the root "joy," and it calls us to rejoice in the birth of our dear departed into another life — eternal life. The victory over death by Jesus dispels the sorrow of temporary separation from loved ones. The deceased are remembered, believing that they reflect the faith that even after death they do not cease to be members of the Church founded on Earth by the Lord.
The Meaning of the Holiday
This day should be dedicated to the memory of dear departed ones. This is the most important task of the day. On this day, one can, by visiting the cemetery, share with them the great joy by saying: "Christ is risen!"
Traditions of the Divine Service
After the liturgy, a panikhida is served, which includes Easter hymns ("Christ is risen..."). The clergy on this day wear white vestments as a symbol of joy and renewal, rather than mourning.
What Can Be Done on April 21, 2026
— One should visit the church, attend the divine service, pray for the deceased during the Liturgy, and receive communion.
— Then one should visit the cemetery at the graves of relatives. It is customary to read the Easter canon at the grave.
— It is customary to clean the graves, paint the fences, and plant flowers.
— Do good deeds.
— Give alms and donate to the church.
— Work.
What Cannot Be Done on April 21, 2026
— Do not commemorate the deceased at the graves with alcohol.
— Do not leave food and drinks at the graves.
— Do not work in the garden.
— Do not quarrel and get angry, do not succumb to despondency.
— Do not get married.
— Do not grieve and cry.
— Do not start new ventures.
— Do not take out the trash from the house.
What Can Be Eaten on April 21, 2026. Fasting Rules
On this day, it is customary to set the table with memorial dishes — pancakes, pies, meat, porridge. Dishes can be brought for blessing in the church.
