The priest explained the origin of the name "Honey Savior"
The name "Honey Savior" is associated with the ancient tradition of collecting the first honey and consecrating it in the temple. However, this is a popular name for a holiday that does not have an official church status. The dean of the Baltai district of the Saratov diocese, Priest Oleg Zhilyakov, told Izvestia about this.
"Honey Savior got its name due to the ancient tradition of collecting the first honey, which usually falls in the middle of August. By this time, the beekeepers had completed the main work in the apiaries and brought fresh honey to the temple for consecration. After that, it was eaten and shared with loved ones," he said.
At the same time, as the priest emphasized, the very word "Saved" has a religious origin and is associated with the name of the Savior.
"The popular name "Savior" comes from the word "Savior," which emphasizes its connection with the church tradition. Moreover, all three August Saviours are dedicated to the Lord in one way or another," the priest added.
He recalled that according to the church calendar, on the day of the Honey Savior, the Wearing Down of the Precious Trees of the Life—Giving Cross of the Lord is celebrated - a holiday that has its roots in Byzantium and is celebrated annually on August 14.
The priest also pointed out that the consecration of honey is not the main tradition of the holiday, but only helps believers express gratitude to God for His gifts.
"If a person confines himself only to the consecration of honey, the meaning of the holiday is lost," he stressed.
The key, according to him, remains participation in worship and prayer, while external rituals have only an auxiliary meaning.
Read more in the Izvestia article:
Honey Saved 2026: the meaning of this holiday is much deeper than is commonly believed.
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