Metr. Apostolos Reflects on Meaning of Saturday of Souls
Metr. Apostolos says the Saturday of Souls expresses the Orthodox Church’s faith that prayer, resurrection, and communion in Christ unite both the living and the departed.
WESTFIELD, NJ — As Orthodox Christians prepare to celebrate Pentecost, His Eminence Metr. Apostolos of New Jersey reflected on the significance of the Saturday of Souls, emphasizing the Church’s enduring bond with the faithful departed and the hope of resurrection.
The Metropolitan explained that the Saturday before Pentecost is dedicated to the remembrance of “all Orthodox Christians who have fallen asleep from all ages.” While every Saturday carries a tradition of commemorating the departed, this observance holds special importance because it precedes the feast marking the descent of the Holy Spirit. According to the Church’s teaching, prayers are offered for both the living and the dead as the faithful prepare to celebrate the fullness of salvation revealed at Pentecost.
Drawing on the writings of the Church Fathers, Metr. Apostolos highlighted the spiritual value of prayers and Divine Liturgies offered for those who have reposed. He cited St. John Chrysostom and St. Mark of Ephesus, both of whom taught that the Church’s prayers provide assistance and benefit to departed souls.
The Metropolitan stressed that the observance is not a day of mourning alone but a proclamation of Christian faith in eternal life. He noted that the Saturday of Souls affirms the Resurrection, the communion of the saints, and Christ’s victory over death, reminding believers that the Church remains united across generations and beyond the grave.
Previously, the UOJ reported that Metr. Apostolos defended the Ecumenical Patriarch’s mission.
