Dimitrios Memorial Saturday 2025: Traditions, Date, and Celebratory Features
Dimitrios Memorial Saturday is an important day in the calendar of Orthodox believers of the Eastern rite.
This day is dedicated to honoring the memory of deceased relatives and loved ones, and each year it falls on a specific date that depends on the church calendar.
In 2025, this significant day is scheduled for October 18.
Traditionally, Orthodox Christians visit memorial services in churches to remember their ancestors and loved ones.
During the service, believers bring food for the memorial table—apples, bread, candies, and sometimes red wine (kagor).
This act symbolizes gratitude and remembrance for those who have passed away.
A key feature of this day is observing religious fasting; before major religious holidays and during fasting days, certain foods such as meat, eggs, and dairy are abstained from.
Knowing the fasting days in 2025 helps believers plan their spiritual activities and personal goals.
Notably, since 2023, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine has switched to the New Julian calendar, which shifted all fixed feast days 13 days earlier.
As a result, the memorial day for Saint Demetrios will be observed on October 26 in the new calendar, meaning Dimitrios Memorial Saturday now falls on October 18.
This adjustment is essential for maintaining tradition and proper commemoration according to the latest calendar calculations.