PSIHOSAVATA 2025 – The Orthodox Church, recognizing the need to pray for the souls of the departed, has established two major Psihosavata each year. These days are dedicated to the memory of all those who have passed away, providing believers with the opportunity to pray for their salvation.
What are the Psihosavata?
The Psihosavata are special days of commemoration for the dead, during which the Church conducts memorial services and prayers. Although all Saturdays are considered days of rest and prayer for the souls of the departed, the Church has designated two specific Psihosavata, placing particular emphasis on memorializing the dead.
This tradition has deep roots in the Orthodox faith, as it is believed that prayer for the departed contributes to the forgiveness of their sins and their spiritual rest. On these days, believers go to churches, prepare memorial wheat (koliva), and remember the names of their loved ones who have passed away.
The Meaning and Significance of the Psihosavata
The Psihosavata hold particular importance as they represent an opportunity to pray for the souls of those who may not have had a memorial service due to economic hardships or because they passed away far from their homeland. The Church, with love and care, takes on the responsibility to pray for all these souls.
Besides the two main Psihosavata, there are local traditions across Greece that honor the memory of the deceased, such as the Psihosavato before the Feast of Saint Demetrios in Thessaloniki or the Psihosavato of the Saints Theodore in Athens.
When are the Psihosavata in 2025?
The first major Psihosavato in 2025 falls on February 22, 57 days before Easter, while the second Psihosavato is on June 7, 48 days after Easter.
On these days, the Church invites all believers to pray for the souls of their loved ones, light a candle in their memory, and participate in the sacred services, keeping the tradition of love and remembrance alive.