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Yablochny Saved in 2025: what should a believer do, what should he sanctify in the church
In August 2025, the Orthodox Church celebrates one of the most revered holidays, Yablochny Spas. This day is filled with deep spiritual meaning and special joy: believers gather in churches to participate in solemn divine services, consecrate the fruits of the new harvest, and then treat their loved ones and those in need. The celebration coincides with the Transfiguration of the Lord, an important church holiday dedicated to the manifestation of the divine glory of Christ. For more information about the history and main traditions of the Apple Savior— see the Izvestia article.
Yablochny Spas in 2025: when the holiday comes
Yablochny Spas is one of the three Spas that are celebrated in the last month of summer. In addition to Apple, there is also Honey and Nut Spas. All three celebrations are connected with the celebration of the gifts of nature and are important dates of the church and national calendar.
The first Savior, the Honeymoon— is celebrated on August 14th. He is also called the Savior on the Water, as springs, rivers and wells are consecrated on this day. The holiday symbolizes the beginning of the gathering of the first gifts of summer and calls for the commemoration of the dead.
It is followed by Yablochny Spas, which is celebrated annually on August 19th. The date coincides with the twelve-day feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, when, according to legend, Christ revealed his divine glory to his disciples. This day occupies a central place among the Saviours and marks not only a spiritual transformation, but also the symbolic consecration of the fruits of the new harvest.
The third Savior — Nut, or Bread, is celebrated on August 29. It is associated with the end of harvesting and preparation for autumn. On this day, it is customary to consecrate new harvest bread, fruits and honey.
Yablochny Spas — why is the holiday called that?
The name of the holiday is associated with the word "Savior", which in Orthodoxy means "Savior" — one of the names of Jesus Christ. On this day, the church celebrates the Transfiguration of the Lord, an important feast day.
In the Bible, this day is described as the moment when the Lord, who ascended Mount Tabor with his disciples, revealed his divine glory to them: His face lit up, and his clothes became unusually white and luminous. This event symbolizes the transformation of the human soul through faith, spiritual enlightenment and closer to God.
Believers at the festive divine service in honor of the Transfiguration of the Lord in the Church of the Three Saints in Simferopol
Over time, the feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord has acquired folk traditions, in which the apple has taken a special place. In the countries of the Mediterranean and the Middle East, grapes and other local fruits were consecrated for the holiday, but in Russia apples became the main gift of the earth, which is due to the peculiarities of the climate: it is in the middle of August that the time comes to harvest these fruits.
Thus, the fruit, the most accessible and symbolic for Russian culture, became the main one in the holiday basket, and the holiday itself began to be called the Apple Savior. It is also called the "first autumn", because on this day it is customary to begin active preparations for autumn and express gratitude to God for the harvest of the outgoing summer.
What to do on Yablochny Spas for a believer
For a believer, Yablochny Spas is a time of spiritual renewal: on the eve of the holiday, it is necessary to put the house in order — it is believed that it is forbidden to celebrate a church celebration in an uncleaned dwelling. On August 19, it is important for believers to visit the church, take part in divine services, confess and receive communion, if their health condition allows. It is customary to bring fruits and vegetables of the new harvest to the temple for consecration.
Yablochny Spas falls at the beginning of the Dormition Fast, a time of repentance and abstinence. On this day, it is customary to avoid hard work and conflict in order to preserve peace and harmony in the soul and family. The holiday reminds of the need for not only spiritual, but also physical purification, therefore, the appeal to prayer and fasting becomes especially important.
According to popular beliefs, it is undesirable to eat apples before August 19 — it is believed that unripe fruits can bring bad luck. Immediately after consecration, the first fruit becomes a kind of predictor: a sweet apple promises joy, a sour one promises trials. On the day of the Apple Savior, believers are allowed to eat fish, seafood, vegetable food and some red wine diluted with water. On this day, it is customary to prepare dishes with the main symbol of the celebration — lean pancakes and pies, baked apples with nuts and honey, fruit compotes.
How is the Yablochny Savior Service going?
The service on Yablochny Spas is held with special solemnity. On the eve of the evening, an all—night vigil is celebrated in most churches - a service combining Vespers, Compline and matins. It creates a preparatory atmosphere, helps to tune in to the prayerful perception of the holiday and spiritual transformation.
On the morning of August 19, the festive Divine Liturgy takes place — the main service during which communion is celebrated. The priests dress in white festive robes, symbolizing the radiance and light of the Transfiguration of the Lord. The liturgical texts include the reading of the Gospel of the Transfiguration, which tells how Christ revealed his divine glory to the apostles on Mount Tabor.
In addition to the main liturgy, prayers addressed to Jesus Christ are read, asking for spiritual enlightenment, healing of sins and protection of the family. Among the most revered texts are "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us" and specially composed prayers for the sanctification of fruits and the glorification of the Transfiguration.
After the end of the liturgy, the rite of consecration of the fruits of the new harvest is performed. Parishioners bring apples and other fruits to the temple, which the clergy sprinkle with holy water, accompanying the ritual with prayers for well-being and health.
In large cathedral churches and monasteries, processions are often organized — processions with icons and banners around the temple or around the city. This highlights the connection between God and the people and symbolizes the glorification of the Feast of the Transfiguration.
What to sanctify in the church on Yablochny Spas in 2025
On the day of the Apple Savior, believers traditionally bring the fruits of the new harvest to the temple for consecration. The main symbol of the holiday is the consecrated apples, which signify the gift of God's generosity and the fertility of the earth.
In addition to apples, other seasonal fruits are consecrated in the church — pears, plums, grapes, as well as vegetables: tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, peppers, etc. Often fresh honey and nuts are added to baskets with gifts. Animal products, alcoholic beverages, and products not related to agricultural fruits should not be brought to the consecration. This is contrary to the spirit of the holiday and church norms.
It is believed that after consecration, the fruits acquire a special grace. It is customary not just to eat them, but to use them carefully. Some of the consecrated apples are necessarily left as seeds or starter culture for the future harvest. The rest of the fruits are eaten, treated to relatives, neighbors, and also necessarily distributed to the poor and needy. This custom emphasizes charity and willingness to share God's gifts. Some housewives use consecrated apples to make jams or compotes, believing that they will acquire special healing properties.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
