The priest explained the true meaning of the Honey Savior

The popular name "Honey Savior" reflects the tradition of the consecration of the harvest, while the true meaning of the holiday is the worship of the Life—giving Cross of the Lord and the entry into the Dormition fast. Anthony Rusakevich, rector of the church in honor of the Apostle and Evangelist Luke in Tver, told Izvestia about the true meaning of the holiday.

"In the national calendar, this day is most often referred to as Honey Savior, but this familiar household name hides an event much more ancient and spiritually intense. In church tradition, he is listed as the Origin (wear) of the precious trees of the Life-giving Cross of the Lord. In addition, on this day, the feast of the All—Merciful Savior and the Most Holy Theotokos is celebrated in memory of the miraculous victories achieved in the 12th century," Father Anthony said.

The priest explained that the theological core of the holiday is the carrying of the Lord's Cross from the altar to the middle of the temple and the subsequent procession with it. The word "origin" itself is not an accurate translation of the Greek term "proodos": it does not mean "origin", but a solemn procession.

The origins of the tradition date back to Constantinople in the 9th century: in August, epidemics often broke out there, and in order to ward off diseases, the shrine was taken out of the treasury and carried around the city — this is how believers invoked the grace of God on their homes and lives.

Later, historical memory of the events of 1164 was added to this custom: then, almost simultaneously, Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky defeated the Volga Bulgars, and the Byzantine Emperor Manuel defeated the Saracens. In honor of these victories, the feast of the All-Merciful Savior was established, which eventually merged with the ancient Constantinople custom.

Father Anthony emphasized that the popular name "Honey Savior" reflects only the tradition of consecrating the products of the new harvest, but does not convey the depth of the celebration.

Read more about the true meaning of the Honey Savior holiday in the Izvestia article: "Why Honey Savior is not really about honey: what kind of church holiday is hidden behind the popular name."