Society

16 May, 2026 / 08:55

/ 19 April, 2026

Orthodox Christians celebrate Memorial Easter

Orthodox Christians are celebrating today and tomorrow Memorial Easter, a day dedicated to commemorating the departed. Believers visit the graves of their loved ones, put them in order, priests hold memorial services, after which relatives offer alms for the souls of the dead.

Traditionally, it is celebrated one week after the Resurrection of the Lord. In larger rural localities and in cities where there are several cemeteries, the holiday takes place over several days, starting on Saturday and continuing until Monday.

Priest Octavian Moșin emphasized that it is a holiday during which believers remember those who have fallen asleep and pray for their rest.

“This day must be lived in peace and reflection, with less focus on material things. True almsgiving is not measured in expensive gifts, but in the intention with which they are offered. In this life, it is not what you give that matters, but how you give it. It should be a gift from the heart, offered with humility and love, with thought for those who are truly in need. It is important that we come to the cemetery to pray and commemorate,” said Octavian Moșin.

People usually go to cemeteries and give red eggs, sweet Easter bread as alms to the needy, as well as place flowers on graves. Each woman brings a towel, gathered at one end and tied with a candle. The towel is offered to the priest who reads the commemoration lists. On this day, not only known deceased persons are remembered, but the entire lineage of common ancestors.

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