The clergyman spoke about the divine services on the feast of the Honey Savior

Priest Zhilyakov: the key moment of the Honey Savior service is taking out the Cross for worship

Thu, 07/16/2026 - 07:00

Photo: Global Look Press/Sergey Bulkin

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Divine services on the day of the Honey Savior serve as spiritual preparation for one of the key days of the August church calendar — the celebration of the Ascension of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord, which is celebrated on August 14, as well as the beginning of the Dormition Fast. The dean of the Baltai district of the Saratov diocese, Priest Oleg Zhilyakov, told Izvestia about this.

The priest explained that the liturgical cycle begins on the evening of August 13 and gradually brings the faithful to the main event of the holiday.

"Worship in churches begins the day before, on August 13, with the evening service, which is a preparation for the main service, the Divine Liturgy, which takes place the next day," he said.

According to him, already during this period, believers are attuned to prayer and participation in church life, which allows them to better understand the meaning of the holiday.

The central events unfold on the morning of August 14, when the main divine service takes place.

"At matins, the central moment of the service takes place — the solemn taking out of the Cross for worship. After that, a small consecration of water is performed (hence another popular name for the celebration — Wet Savior, or Saved on the water. — Ed.) and honey of the new harvest," said the priest.

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He added that the worship of the Holy Cross is connected with the tradition established in Byzantium. At the same time, the priest drew attention to the fact that the consecration of honey is of secondary importance and should not be a substitute for prayer.

"On the same day, believers bring honey from the new harvest to the temples for blessing. However, first of all, it is important to come to church, pray and receive communion, since a holiday is primarily a meeting with God," the priest emphasized.