Watering a gravestone with vodka: celebrating Parents' Day authentically

Let's Talk About Families and Graves on Radonitsa, the Russian Parents' Day

Now that we've celebrated Easter, it's almost time for another significant Orthodox holiday - Parents' Day, or Radonitsa, on the 9th day after Easter. This day is all about remembering our departed loved ones, but as with all traditions, there are some complexities surrounding these customs. Let's break it down for you.

Why be Joyful on a Day for the Departed?

The name Radonitsa comes from the Slavic word "radost," meaning "joy," implying an air of celebration rather than mourning. The Orthodox Church encourages its followers to feel joyous, as this day commemorates the victory of eternal life over death. Again, unlike regular mourning rituals, Radonitsa is all about celebrating life, not mourning its loss.

When is Radonitsa Celebrated?

The date of Radonitsa is not fixed but correlates with when Easter is observed. This holiday falls on a Monday this year. In addition, there are other days of special significance throughout the year, known as Parents' Sabbaths, though their timing varies. These days, such as Radonitsa and Pentecost, are recognized beyond the sphere of the Church by both believers and non-believers alike.

How Should We Remember Our Loved Ones?

In the morning, families visit churches to attend a festival service, where a general memorial service is often held in addition to the regular liturgy. Priests may also offer special prayers for loved ones at the individual's gravesite.

If you're not able to physically visit a church, don't worry – many parishes now offer online platforms for submitting prayer requests.

After the service, families visit cemeteries to clean the graves, plant flowers, and lay wreaths. While it's common to tidy up the graves on this day, it's not necessary, as many people choose to do so during the springtime.

At the gravesite, it's customary to read a short prayer for the repose of the soul, but be cautious in windy conditions when lighting candles or traditional oil lamps. If you can, invite a priest to perform a liturgy and sprinkle holy water at the grave.

Despite the customs of bringing food and drink offerings to the graves, it's essential to remember that these practices are rooted in pagan beliefs. Instead, the Orthodox Church encourages prayers, as they are believed to be the most meaningful forms of remembrance.

Common Misconceptions

While it's customary to share stories and reminisce about the deceased during Radonitsa, it's essential to understand that these practices should be diversionary, not the central focus of the day. Mourning should take a backseat to the celebration of life and the eternal victory that Radonitsa represents.

Krásnoyarsk's Preparations for Radonitsa

In Krásnoyarsk, the buses serving the ten main cemeteries will operate from 8 am to 8 pm, compared to their usual hours. Special buses will be operating for the New Shinny Cemetery, the Old Shinny Cemetery, and the Badaička Cemetery.

For the sake of maintaining safety, temporary transportation and parking restrictions will be imposed at certain locations near the cemeteries. Consult the local authorities or church officials for a detailed list of affectèd areas.

In a Nutshell

Radonitsa is a joyful celebration of life, victory, and the eternal bond between families. Remember to focus on prayers and being together as a family, rather than the more superficial and pagan customs associated with this day. Share happy memories and lift each other up, as we pay our respects to those who went before us.

Sources:1. Russian Family History - Radonitsa2. Russian Orthodox Church - Radonitsa3. Orthodox Christianity - Work on Easter and Other Holidays

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A piece in the 'education-and-self-development' section could educate readers on the historical and theological origins of Radonitsa, helping them to gain a deeper understanding of the holiday's significance and appreciate its unique customs and traditions.