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Honey Savior in 2025: the spiritual meaning of how to spend a holiday, what to sanctify in the church
On August 14, Orthodox believers celebrate Honey Savior, an ancient holiday that opens a series of summer Rescues. It was believed that it was by this time that honey ripens in the hives to full readiness. Honey Savior marks the beginning of the Dormition Fast and is accompanied by the traditions of the consecration of honey, poppy seeds, various herbs and water. Read more about the spiritual meaning and the main rituals of the holiday in the material of Izvestia.
Honey Savior in 2025: the meaning of the holiday on August 14th
Honey Savior is one of the three Saviours that are traditionally celebrated in the Orthodox tradition in the summer. The word "Savior" comes from the Old Russian "salvation" and is associated with the veneration of the Savior, Jesus Christ. Each of the Saviours is dedicated to a specific event related to spiritual salvation and gratitude to God for the gifts of nature and life.
In 2025, the Honeymoon falls on August 14 (August 1, old style). This day is considered the beginning of the honey harvest of a new crop, and that is why the holiday got its name. It was believed that by the middle of July, the honey in the hives ripens to full readiness, and it can be safely harvested, consecrated, and eaten.
Historically, Honey Savior is associated with the veneration of the icon of the Savior Not Made with Hands and with the celebration of the transfer of the relics of the seven Maccabean martyrs — Abim, Antonin, Gury, Eleazar, Eusebon, Alim and Markell, who suffered for the faith in the II century BC. According to the hagiography, the king forced the Jews to abandon their faith and worship pagan gods, desecrated the Jerusalem temple by erecting a statue of Zeus in it. Seven brothers and their mother refused to make pagan sacrifices and were severely tortured and executed. Their feat is considered a prototype of Christian martyrdom and a symbol of the inviolability of faith.
In addition, on August 14, the Orthodox Church celebrates the "Origin of the precious trees of the Life-giving Cross of the Lord." In Russia, processions were held on this day with a piece of the Cross of the Lord, the shrine on which Jesus Christ was crucified.
How to spend a Honeymoon for Orthodox believers
For Orthodox believers, Honey Savior is a celebration filled with deep spiritual meaning. On this day, a festive liturgy is celebrated in churches, during which special prayers dedicated to God and the Most Holy Theotokos are read. On the eve of the evening, the removal of the cross is usually carried out, and in the morning after the liturgy, a small consecration of water is performed. These divine services help believers prepare for a period of spiritual purification and preparation for the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
An important part of the holiday is participation in church services — it is an opportunity to pray, receive blessings and spiritual strengthening. Honey Savior is not included in the official church calendar as a separate holiday, but churches celebrate the Feast of the All-Merciful Savior and the Most Holy Theotokos on this day, and also remember the seven Maccabean martyrs.
Honey Savior marks the beginning of the Dormition Fast, a strict two—week period of spiritual purification that lasts from August 14 to 28 and ends with the feast of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary. During this period, believers are advised to adhere to lenten rules — to abstain from meat, dairy products and fish, preferring light plant foods.
Lent is designed to prepare believers for an important church event, and Honey Savior becomes a kind of boundary between summer and autumn, a time of gratitude for the harvest and spiritual renewal. On the day of the celebration, it is appropriate to refrain from hard work, quarrels and conflicts in order to maintain peace of mind and home. Folk traditions advise taking a bath in consecrated water on the holiday. This ritual is designed to purify the body and soul before fasting.
What is consecrated in the church on the Honeymoon
On the day of the Honey Savior, believers bring the main symbol of the holiday, the honey of the new harvest, to the church for consecration. It is believed that it is from this day that one can begin to taste fresh honey, which, after consecration, acquires a special healing and spiritual power.
According to tradition, beekeepers bring the first honeycombs to the church, some of the honey is left in the temple as a donation, and the rest is treated to loved ones and those in need. This custom dates back to the Old Testament commandment to sacrifice the first fruits of the harvest to God, which symbolizes gratitude and mercy.
In addition to honey, a poppy is consecrated on this day, another important symbol of the holiday associated with folk traditions and the memory of the seven Maccabean martyrs. Poppy heads and bouquets of medicinal herbs — oregano, St. John's wort, thyme, mint, nettle and wormwood are also brought to the church. Consecrated plants are kept at home as amulets and, if necessary, used for medicinal purposes.
A special place is occupied by the consecration of water — on this day, a small water blessing is performed in temples. Such water is considered curative and protective, it is taken home for drinking, sprinkling homes and farms. The holiday is also called Wet or Water Savior, as wells, springs and reservoirs were consecrated on this day. It was customary to bathe in consecrated water to purify the body and soul, as well as to protect themselves from diseases and misfortunes.
Treats for the Honey Savior: what to cook, what to eat for the holiday
Since the Honey Feast coincides with the beginning of the Dormition Fast, the festive table on this day should be lean and modest. The menu usually includes honey dishes and pastries — gingerbread, buns, buns and pancakes with honey and poppy seeds. Honey is added to kvass and water, and various desserts and drinks based on it are prepared. It is an important tradition to treat the poor and needy with honey and sweets.
One of the most popular recipes is honey cake, a soft and fragrant lean pastry with spices such as cinnamon, cloves and ginger. The dough is usually prepared on the basis of honey, vegetable oil and flour with the addition of baking powder. Nuts, raisins, or citrus zest are often added to the cake for added flavor.
Pumpkin with honey is another simple and delicious dish that is prepared for a Honey Feast. Pumpkin cubes are poured with honey and baked in the oven until soft. This treat goes well with lean dishes and helps to diversify the festive table.
Many other interesting and authentic treats are also prepared for Honey Spas:
— shuliki — thin cakes made of lean dough, filled with a sweet poppy mixture with honey;
— makovniki — lean pies or rolls stuffed with poppy seeds and honey. The poppy is pre-steamed, ground with sugar and honey, then wrapped in dough and baked;
— lean cookies with herbs and honey — pastries with oregano, mint or thyme, which are watered with honey after cooking.
How to make a wish on a Honeymoon
In folk traditions, Honey Savior is an auspicious day for various rituals. It is believed that if you make a wish on this day before eating the first spoonful of consecrated honey, it will definitely come true. Honey on this day acquires a special power and is considered healing and protective, so the ceremony with it symbolizes not only a request for help, but also gratitude to God for gifts.
It is recommended to make a wish in silence and with sincere faith, concentrating on the most important and intimate things. Many believers do this after the consecration of honey in the temple or in a secluded home environment.
Honey Savior is traditionally considered a time of inner renewal and repentance. On this day, it is customary to participate in divine services, pray for health and spiritual purification, and ask for the forgiveness of sins.
Apple and Nut Spas: when in 2025
After the Honey Saviour, the faithful will celebrate two other important holidays that complete the series of summer Saviours — Apple and Walnut. They are associated with the consecration of the fruits of the new harvest and symbolize gratitude to God for the generous natural gifts.
In 2025, Yablochny Spas is celebrated on August 19th. This holiday is dedicated to the Transfiguration of the Lord, the event when Jesus Christ revealed His divine glory to His disciples on Mount Tabor. The Apple Savior is popularly called the Second Savior or the Savior on the Mountain. On this day, believers bring first fruits to the church for consecration — apples, pears, grapes and other fruits. It is believed that from this moment on it is allowed to taste the fresh fruits of the new harvest. The consecrated fruits become a symbol of gratitude and blessing for the upcoming autumn season.
Orekhovy Spas falls in 2025 on August 29. The celebration is associated with the end of the nut harvest and the end of the harvest. It is also called the Bread Savior, because on this day nuts, bread and other late fruits are consecrated. The walnut Savior symbolizes the end of the summer period and preparation for autumn, and the consecrated gifts become a sign of gratitude and hope for a rich harvest in the new season.
All three Saviours — Honey, Apple and Walnut — form a single cycle of holidays, which reflects the close connection of church rituals with natural cycles and agriculture. They remind of the importance of gratitude, spiritual renewal and charity, uniting believers in a single prayer and national celebration.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
