Three Saviours: dates and traditions of the main church holidays in August
In August, Orthodox believers celebrate three holidays, which in the folk tradition are called the Saviours — Honey, Apple and Walnut. These days are associated with preparations for important church events and the consecration of the fruits of the new harvest. Each of the holidays has its own history, spiritual significance and centuries-old traditions. About when the Savior is celebrated in 2026 and what customs are associated with them — in the material of Izvestia.
When to celebrate Honey, Apple and Walnut Holidays in 2026
Three Saviours are the folk names of Orthodox holidays celebrated in August. They are dedicated to honoring the Savior, Jesus Christ, from which their common name originated. In the national calendar, these dates were considered important milestones of the summer period. Traditionally, they were associated with harvesting and the beginning of preparations for autumn.
The first to celebrate the Honeymoon is on August 14th. In 2026, the holiday falls on a Friday. On this day, the Orthodox Church celebrates the Origin (wear) of the precious trees of the Life-giving Cross of the Lord, and also honors the memory of the holy martyrs of the Maccabees. In the folk tradition, this holiday is associated with the beginning of the honey harvest and the consecration of the first bee products.
The second Savior, Yablochny, is celebrated on August 19. This date, which falls on Wednesday, coincides with one of the twelve Orthodox holidays — the Transfiguration of the Lord. On this day, believers remember the event when Jesus Christ revealed his Divine glory to his disciples on Mount Tabor.
The third Savior, Nutty, or Bread, will be celebrated on Saturday, August 29. In the Orthodox calendar, this day is dedicated to the transfer of the Uncreated Image of the Lord Jesus Christ from Edessa to Constantinople. The holiday was popularly associated with the end of harvesting grain crops, baking bread from fresh flour and collecting nuts.
Honey Savior: what is consecrated and what is the meaning of the holiday
Honey Savior opens a series of August holidays and is often referred to as the First Savior. The popular name of this day is associated with beekeeping. Usually by the middle of August, the beekeepers started collecting honey and brought it to the temple for consecration — often right in the honeycomb. It was believed that after consecration, honey acquires healing power.
The festive meal began with a spoonful of honey — as a thank you to God for the harvest. Lenten dishes with honey were also prepared in the villages — honey cakes, gingerbread cookies, pancakes and honey kvass. According to tradition, some of the products were shared with those in need — beggars, orphans and widows.
Along with honey, poppies and medicinal herbs were brought to the church, which are harvested in August — St. John's wort, wormwood, chamomile. Consecrated bouquets of poppies and herbs were called "poppies" and kept at home as amulets. The people believed that they protect against diseases, troubles and the evil eye throughout the year.
However, as the clergy emphasize, the consecration of fruits is only a pious tradition. It should not replace its main meaning, which is connected with a person's spiritual conversion to God, prayer and inner purification.
Every year, on the day of the Honey Savior, the Origin (wear) of the precious trees of the Life-giving Cross of the Lord is celebrated. This is an ancient holiday that originated in Byzantium and is associated with bringing out a part of the Cross for worship. In addition, on August 14, the Dormition Fast begins — one of the strictest and longest. In 2026, it will last until Thursday, August 27.
Apple Savior: why the fruits of the new harvest are consecrated
On Yablochny Spas, festive divine services and the consecration of the fruits of the new harvest are held in churches. First of all, believers bring apples, so the holiday is popularly called Apple Savior. But other gifts of August can also be consecrated: grapes, pears, plums, and in the southern regions — peaches, watermelons, cherry plums and figs.
The custom of consecrating the fruits of the new harvest is rooted in ancient religious traditions that existed among many tribes. Over time, he was accepted by Christians. Believers began to bring the first results of their labor to the temple to express gratitude to God for the harvest and receive a blessing for further work.
After the consecration of the fruits, it is customary to treat loved ones and share them with those in need. Before the holiday, many people try not to eat them, especially in families where they adhere to folk customs. At the same time, the church does not establish such prohibitions, and it is not considered a sin to try an apple before the Savior.
At the same time, the main thing on the feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord is participation in divine services and common prayer, since this is precisely its spiritual meaning. On this day, special hymns are sung in churches, recalling the evangelical event when Jesus Christ ascended Mount Tabor together with the apostles Peter, James and John and revealed his Divine glory to them.
This event has become a symbol of the inner transformation of man and one of the key stages in the formation of the Christian Church.
Walnut Savior: what is customary to consecrate on this day
The church name of the Walnut Savior is the transfer of the Uncreated Image of the Lord Jesus Christ from Edessa to Constantinople. The history of the holiday is connected with an ancient legend about the ruler of the city of Edessa, Avgar, who suffered from a serious illness. He received an image of Christ, which appeared on a towel with which the Son of God wiped his face, and after praying in front of the shrine, he was healed.
According to legend, this image appeared after the Savior applied a cloth to his face, and his face was miraculously imprinted on it. Later, the icon was moved to Constantinople, where it became one of the most revered Christian shrines.
The popular name Nutty Savior is due to the fact that by the end of August, nuts were ripening in the forests. This day was also called Bread Savior, because by that time the grain harvest was completed. In temples, believers consecrated ears of wheat, nuts, grain and bread made from newly ground flour.
Since the Dormition Fast was ending by that day, the table became more diverse. Among other dishes, fresh bread, nuts, honey and fruits were always present. The harvest was used not only for treats, but also harvested for future use to provide themselves with food for the future, including for fast days.
At the same time, like other Saviours, this day has primarily a spiritual meaning — it reminds of gratitude for the harvest, the importance of mercy and caring for others.
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