The Memorial Saturday of St. Demetrius for Eastern Orthodox Christians who wish to remember the dead is perhaps one of the most important days in the church year. Since the entire day is dedicated to remembrance, it is not a holiday, but a memorial day tied to the feast of the Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessaloniki. It always falls on the Saturday before St. Demetrius.
In 2026, according to the new (New Julian) calendar, which is followed after the transition to the new style by the OCU and the UGCC , Dmitriev Parental Saturday is celebrated on October 24 , 2026 .
Believers who continue to live according to the old (Julian calendar) style will commemorate the departed on Dmitriy Saturday – November 7, 2026 .
History and tradition of the holiday
The main feature is not a holiday, but a memorial day, when a panakhida is carried to the church where deceased relatives rest in the cemetery. The peculiarity of doing this on this day is that a united (joint) church prayer is held in the church.
Traditionally, on the eve of St. Dmitriev’s Saturday, that is, on Friday evening, a large memorial service is held in churches, and on Saturday morning a liturgy for the repose of the soul is held.
Believers in their local churches submit notes with the names of the deceased, light candles, and bring lean products (bread, cereals, oil) to the church for the needs of the church and for distribution to the needy (although many believe that they are bringing gifts to the dead).
Read also: Orthodox Church Calendar for October 2026 (Old Style) or Orthodox Calendar for October 2026 (New Style)
In the context of the modern Ukrainian war, special attention during services on St. Dmitri Saturday is paid to prayers for the soldiers who gave their lives defending their homeland.
After the liturgy in the church, it is customary to visit cemeteries to tidy up the graves and light lamps as a sign of bright memory and to remember the deceased relative in a good light. At home, families gather for a memorial dinner, at which kutya is traditionally present – a symbol of resurrection and eternal life. On this day, it is important to remember the dead, let go of old grievances and do alms for the living and the needy. It is believed that sincere prayer and charitable deeds help souls find eternal peace.
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