Honey Feast of the Saviour

Honey Feast of the Saviour is a traditional Christian holiday celebrated in Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches. This feast is observed on August 14th, marking the beginning of the Dormition Fast, which lasts until August 28th. The Honey Feast of the Saviour, also known as the Blessing of the Honey, is dedicated to Jesus Christ as the Saviour and commemorates the Transfiguration of Christ, which is celebrated on the following day, August 19th, according to the Julian calendar (which corresponds to August 6th in the Gregorian calendar).

Background

The Honey Feast of the Saviour has its roots in pre-Christian traditions. Before the adoption of Christianity, many Slavic peoples celebrated the beginning of the honey harvest around this time of year. With the Christianization of these regions, the holiday was transformed and given new meaning, intertwining the harvest celebration with Christian beliefs. The feast is particularly significant in countries with a strong tradition of beekeeping, such as Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus.

Celebration

During the Honey Feast of the Saviour, it is customary for believers to bring honey to the church to be blessed. This blessed honey is then used both as a food item and for medicinal purposes, believed to have special properties due to the blessing. The day is also marked by the consumption of foods made with honey and the beginning of the Dormition Fast, a period of fasting and reflection leading up to the Dormition of the Mother of God.

Symbolism

The blessing of the honey symbolizes the sweetness of the Christian faith and the grace of God. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of hard work and the rewards it brings, as represented by the bees' labor in producing honey. Furthermore, the Honey Feast of the Saviour is a celebration of the earth's bounty and God's provision.

Related Traditions

In addition to the blessing of the honey, this feast day is associated with other agricultural blessings. In some regions, it is customary to bless fruits, vegetables, and even water on this day, asking for a bountiful harvest and protection from natural calamities.

See Also

• Dormition Fast
• Transfiguration of Jesus
• Dormition of the Mother of God
• Christianity in Eastern Europe