Christian Cyclopedia

In the early ch., feasts of apostles and evangelists were soon celebrated, esp. those of Peter and Paul, though those of John and James were also favorites. Later, martyrs and all other saints were commemorated November 1 (All Saints' Day) and the departed in purgatory November 2 (All Souls' Day; November 3, if November 2 fell on Sunday). In the E Orthodox Ch., this festival is observed the Saturday before Pent. or the last Sunday of the ch. yr. In the Moravian Ch., Easter morning is dedicated to the memory of those who died during the yr. In the Ev. Ch. of Prussia, the last Sunday of the ch. yr. was set aside for commemorating the dead, and this day or December 31 has been adopted by many Luths. See also Church Year, 14, 17. Dead, Prayers for; Totenfest.