Today, Orthodox believers celebrate the beginning of the Dormition Fast, which is one of two summer fasts.
Among the people, this celebration is called the Honey Savior and the Dormition Fast.
In Rus', on this day it was customary to go to church and bless the so-called gifts of nature, namely, honey and apples.
Today is entirely dedicated to two holidays, which are called the feast of the All-Merciful Savior and the Most Holy Theotokos.
In addition, Orthodox believers remember the feast of the Procession of the Honorable Wood of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord.
In particular, we are talking about a relic that was installed in Constantinople in the 9th century AD.
In Rus', on this day, believers blessed water by reciting prayers, and also blessed the new harvest and honey.
According to legend, on this day the bees finished filling the honeycombs with honey, which is why it was necessary to focus on preparing this delicacy.
In addition, it was considered necessary to bless poppy and medicinal herbs on Honey Savior, as well as to prepare various medicinal decoctions based on such plants.
What you can't do on Honey Savior and Dormition Fast
On this day, many people followed certain rules:
- did not eat meat or fatty foods;
- did not work in the garden;
- did not clean the house.
It was on August 14 that it was considered a grave sin to commit ungodly acts, namely, to quarrel with loved ones. Otherwise, according to beliefs, one could bring bad luck upon oneself.
What can you do on Honey Savior and Dormition Fast
Today it is recommended to go to a festive service.
Then you should bless the water in the temple and then set the table, be sure to decorate it with honey.
It is also worth making kvass or sbiten based on honey.
