Today we observe Mitrovdan Memorials, a prayerful remembrance of our deceased relatives, friends, and fellow countrymen.
On this day, people go to church. After the Divine Liturgy and memorial service, they visit the graves of the departed, offer prayers, and light candles. Memorial days are an expression of our love and duty toward the deceased and a reminder that through remembrance, we remain connected with God and the saints even after life on earth ends.
Respect for our ancestors has been deeply rooted in our people from ancient times to the present. Our Holy Church teaches that if our loved ones are buried far away and visiting their graves is impossible, we should go to church and hold a memorial service. Perhaps more than anyone else in the world, this is particularly hard for Serbs. Many Serbian graves have remained without incense, many candles have been lit hundreds or even thousands of kilometers away from their homeland, and countless hearts have been broken over scattered bones and overturned graves. The sorrow is great when one does not know the resting place of a beloved, and it is even heavier for those whose loved ones disappeared without a trace, their deaths only hinted at by the passing years without news.
The city Orthodox cemetery in Pristina, photographed in 2007 by Živojin Rakočević
The old cemetery in the gate of the Temple of St. Sava, 2018. photographed by Mitra Reljić
Cemetery in Orahovac, 2006, photographed by Jovana Baljošević
Cemetery in Vushtrri (Pogrom, 17.3.2004. scattered remains of human bones) video of the Diocese of Raška-Prizren
Photos taken from: https://srodstvopoizboru.wordpress.com
Let us, therefore, pray today for all the departed. Remember in our prayers those whose graves no one can visit, whose graves were destroyed, and the missing, the murdered, and all our fellow countrymen who suffered martyrdom. Light a candle for them and offer a sacrifice to God, remembering that the Lord illuminates their souls with His light.
While praying for the departed, let us also remember that the same moment awaits us, and strive to live worthy lives.
Give alms, feed the hungry, help the poor, sick, refugees, and orphans. Offer as much as God has given you, for noble purposes, as taught by our Orthodox Church.
Troparion, Tone 8:
By the depth of Your wisdom, You arrange all things with love for mankind and provide what is needed to all. O Creator and only God, grant rest, Lord, to the souls of Your servants: they placed their hope in You, the Maker
Creator, and our God.
