First Saturday of Souls for 2026 scheduled for February 14

The first Saturday of Souls (Psychosavvato) for 2026 is scheduled for February 14, coinciding with Valentine's Day. This liturgical event occurs 57 days before Easter and immediately precedes Meatfare Sunday and the start of Great Lent. The last time this coincidence occurred was in 2015, a phenomenon linked to the early date of Easter in April. During this day, the Orthodox Church conducts morning services, Divine Liturgy, and memorial services (Trisagio) for the deceased. Believers traditionally bring "kollyva," representing boiled wheat that symbolizes resurrection, for the names of the departed to be commemorated. The second Saturday of Souls for the year is set for May 30, 2026, ahead of Pentecost. February 14 also marks World Marriage Day and the International Day of Prayer for People with Autism. Church tradition maintains specific guidelines regarding which deceased individuals cannot be commemorated during these services.