On March 15, 2025, Orthodox Christians around the world observe the second Saturday of Great Lent, known as Parental Saturday, dedicated to the commemoration of the deceased. This significant day holds deep meaning for the faithful, providing them with the opportunity to honor loved ones who have passed away.
During Great Lent, the Orthodox Church establishes three special Saturdays for the commemoration of the dead, reflecting the importance of remembering those who have departed. Due to the overlap of the second planned Parental Saturday with the feast of the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste, who suffered at Sebaste Lake on March 22, there will only be two formal Parental Saturdays this year (on March 15 and March 29). According to church tradition, believers are encouraged to intensify their prayers for their deceased relatives, friends, and ancestors during these memorial gatherings.
The rituals for this day typically begin the evening prior, on March 14. The observances start with the Divine Liturgy, followed by the memorial service called the panikhida. These rituals reinforce the communal connection within the church, emphasizing the compassion of God and the bond between the living and the dead.
Participants are invited to visit their local churches, where they can leave notes with names of those who have died, allowing the clergy to include them during prayers. This is not only seen as spiritually significant, but also as a comforting act for those grieving.
Traditional practices during Parental Saturday include bringing food offerings known as kutya, which is made from boiled wheat and honey. This dish symbolizes resurrection and eternal life. Attending memorial services, lighting candles, and praying fervently for the souls of the departed are central acts of devotion, as believers seek forgiveness for their ancestors’ sins and peace for their souls.
After the services, many congregants gather for memorial meals at home. These meals consist of fasting dishes like vegetable casseroles, boiled grains, and light pancakes, presenting the opportunity for families to share good words about the deceased and to celebrate their lives rather than mourn their passing.
While honoring the dead, there are certain prohibitions on this holy day, as it is important to maintain the atmosphere of reflection and reverence. It is prohibited to engage in quarrels, use foul language, or indulge excessively in alcohol. There is also a strong emphasis against turning the memorial gatherings—a time of solemn remembrance—into festive celebrations.
The relationship between the living and the dead is recognized as sacred during Parental Saturday, with respect paid to traditions passed down through generations. Many believe prayers for the deceased not only aid their souls but strengthen the ties within families and communities.
Beyond the church rituals, believers are encouraged to participate in acts of charity and compassion, which can include offering alms to the needy or contributing to charitable organizations as gestures of goodwill. These acts serve as reminders of the interconnectedness of all individuals, living or departed.
March 15, 2025, holds additional significance as it is the beginning of spring, symbolizing not just rebirth and renewal, but also the hope for divine grace for the deceased. This connection to nature complements the notions of reflection and rejuvenation celebrated during the Great Lent.
Throughout the day, the faithful are invited to visit cemeteries, where they can tend to graves of their loved ones, lighting candles and offering prayers for peace and comfort. This is viewed not merely as duty but as heartfelt devotion.
Overall, Parental Saturday on March 15 provides Orthodox Christians with time to engage deeply with their faith, reflect on the legacies of those who came before them, cultivate community ties, and share moments of compassion and memory. Recognizing the transient nature of life propels the faithful toward living mindfully, cherishing relationships with both the living and the dead.
The various traditions observed during Parental Saturday uniquely contribute to maintaining this continuity of memory and reverence within the faith, reinforcing the community as they collectively honor those who have departed.