Dmytrivska Saturday 2026: when, traditions, how to prepare

Dmytrivska Saturday is one of the three main memorial Saturdays in the Orthodox tradition. In 2026 it falls on 7 November. It is the Saturday before the feast of Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica (8 November).

What this day is

Dmytrivska Saturday is a day of general remembrance for all Orthodox Christians: ancestors, relatives, and fallen soldiers. The tradition of observing it in Rus dates back to the 14th century. According to legend, Dmitry Donskoy established this memorial day after the Battle of Kulikovo in 1380 — in honour of the soldiers who fell in that battle.

In the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Dmytrivska Saturday is an official memorial day. On this day requiem services (panakhydas) are held, and parishioners bring kolyvo (boiled wheat with honey) to the memorial tables in churches.

How it is observed

At church. A panakhyda is held in the morning. The order of service is the same as for other requiem services. If you would like your loved one's name to be commemorated, submit a note with the name a few days before the Saturday, or in the morning on the day of the service.

At the cemetery. After the service, families go to the graves. They tidy up, light candles or lampadas, and leave fresh flowers. The Church does not forbid visiting the cemetery on this day — on the contrary, it is a natural part of remembrance.

At home. The memorial meal is traditionally held within the family circle. People cook dishes that the deceased loved. Before the meal there is a short prayer or a minute of silence.

How Dmytrivska Saturday differs from Radonytsia

Radonytsia is a spring memorial day, Paschal in spirit. Dmytrivska Saturday is an autumn one, more restrained. On Radonytsia it is customary to say "Christ is risen!" even at the grave. On Dmytrivska Saturday there is no such custom.

Another difference: Radonytsia has been an official public holiday in Ukraine since 2023. Dmytrivska Saturday is not a public holiday — although it remains an important day for practising Orthodox Christians.

How to prepare: the grave

October — before Dmytrivska Saturday — is the time for autumn cleaning at the cemetery. Fallen leaves pile up quickly, the grass dries out, and artificial flowers fade after the summer. A good moment to put things in order before the cold sets in.

What is worth doing before 7 November:

Clear away fallen leaves and the remains of summer flowers
Wash the monument clean of dirt and water stains
Check the condition of the fence — rust worsens in autumn after the rains
Replace faded artificial flowers or put out fresh live ones
Check the lampada — whether there is lamp oil or candles

If you last visited the grave in spring or summer, then over a few months leaves, weeds and possibly cobwebs have built up. A single autumn cleaning is enough to keep the grave looking well cared for until spring.

What to do if you cannot come

November is not the easiest month for travel: shorter days, colder weather, and unstable bus schedules to the cemeteries. If you live far away or abroad, order the cleaning in advance.

We go to the cemetery a week or two before Dmytrivska Saturday, tidy the plot, take photos and send you a report. That way you know the grave is in order, even if you could not come in person.