On March 30th, believers around the world observe the Parental Saturday of the second week of Great Lent. This day holds a special significance for Orthodox Christians as it is dedicated to honoring and remembering our parents.
The tradition of Parental Saturday dates back to the early days of Christianity, when the Church recognized the importance of honoring our parents and ancestors. It is believed that our parents are our first teachers and the foundation of our faith, and therefore, it is our duty to show them love, respect, and gratitude.
During the Great Lent, a period of spiritual reflection and preparation for Easter, the Church sets aside this day to specifically focus on our relationship with our parents. It is a time to reflect on the sacrifices they have made for us, the lessons they have taught us, and the love they have given us.
On this day, believers attend church services and offer prayers for the souls of their departed parents and ancestors. They also light candles and place them in front of icons of the Virgin Mary and Christ, as a symbol of their love and remembrance. This act of lighting candles is a way to honor the memory of our parents and to ask for their intercession in our prayers.
In addition to attending church services, believers also perform acts of charity and kindness in honor of their parents. This can include visiting the sick, helping the less fortunate, or simply spending quality time with their own parents. These acts of kindness not only honor our parents, but also reflect the spirit of Lent – a time of selflessness and compassion towards others.
The Parental Saturday of the second week of Great Lent also serves as a reminder for believers to strengthen their relationships with their living parents. It is a time to ask for forgiveness for any wrongdoings and to express gratitude for their love and guidance. This day encourages believers to cherish their parents while they are still alive and to make the most of the time they have together.
The Parental Saturday of the second week of Great Lent is not only a day to honor our parents, but also a day to reflect on our own roles as parents. It is a time to evaluate our relationships with our children and to strive to be better parents. The Church teaches that parents are responsible for the spiritual upbringing of their children, and this day serves as a reminder to fulfill this responsibility with love and dedication.
As we observe the Parental Saturday, let us remember the words of the Apostle Paul, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise: that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth” (Ephesians 6:1-3). Let us honor our parents not only on this special day, but every day, for they are truly a blessing from God.
In conclusion, the Parental Saturday of the second week of Great Lent is a day of remembrance, gratitude, and love for our parents. It is a time to honor their memory, strengthen our relationships with them, and reflect on our own roles as parents. Let us use this day as an opportunity to show our parents how much they mean to us and to thank them for all that they have done. May we all be blessed with the love and guidance of our parents, both in this life and the next.
