On Saturday, Orthodox Christians observe *Miholjske Zadušnice* (the Autumn Memorial Saturday); in keeping with tradition, they will visit gravesites, light candles, and offer prayers for their deceased ancestors in churches.
On this day, believers pray to God for mercy upon the departed and for the forgiveness of their sins.
Memorial Saturdays (*Zadušnice*) always fall on a Saturday—the day when services dedicated to the deceased are held—because Christ spent the day before the Resurrection (which is always celebrated on a Sunday) in the tomb.
During these memorial services, the Church recalls the words of Saint John Chrysostom, one of the greatest theologians: "Help the departed and remember them. Do not hesitate, therefore, to help those who have passed away and to offer your prayers for them."
In addition to the *Miholjske* (Autumn) memorial, the Serbian Orthodox Church calendar includes *Duhovske* (Summer/Pentecost) memorial days, a Spring memorial (in the week before the start of Great Lent), and *Mitrovske* (Winter) memorial days.
On Memorial Saturdays, the Divine Liturgy and a *parastos* (memorial service) are celebrated in churches; during the service, the priest pours wine over the *žito* (boiled wheat offering), and afterwards, the faithful visit the graves of the deceased. Candles are lit at the graves, and priests conduct individual memorial services and recite prayers for the departed. If it is not possible to visit the deceased's grave, a memorial service is held for them in the church.