- Categories:
- Food & Beverage
- Tags:
- ChristianFood
- Where:
- Russia
- Date change rule:
- Every August 19
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- 🍎
Saviours of the Apple Feast Day arrives every August 19, a vibrant Russian Orthodox tradition celebrating the blessing of the first apple harvest. This holiday, with roots in pre-Christian harvest festivals, invites everyone to enjoy apples, pies, and other apple dishes. Gather your freshest apples, bake a delicious treat, and share the bounty with friends and family.
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History of Saviours of the Apple Feast Day
Three Saviors, or Spas, are celebrated in Russia: Honey, Apple, and Nut. Savior of the Apple Feast Day is on August 19. August 19 is considered by Orthodox Christians as the day of earthly gifts. Traditionally on this day, people celebrate the harvest festival. It was believed that, on this day, the season begins to change, and autumn comes. The nights after Apple Spas become colder. There is even a Russian saying: “Apple Savior — summer is gone from us.”
According to the Christian calendar, the holiday is called the Transfiguration of Jesus. It is one of the 12 major Orthodox holidays. It is based on the events of the Gospel story. It was on this day that the three apostles of Christ saw him in his divine majesty, which strengthened their faith. On this day, the fruits of the new harvest, honey, and grain ears were blessed in churches. The blessed ears and seeds were kept until the next sowing.
The Eastern Slavs had a belief that, in the next world, the children whose parents did not eat apples on this day would receive gifts (among them were paradise apples), but not the children whose parents did.
Saviours of the Apple Feast Day timeline
Churches in Armenia and Cappadocia start celebrating the holiday.
Archimandrite Irinarch founds the Orthodox Greek Convent of the Transfiguration of Jesus.
Patriarch Kirill of Jerusalem consecrates the Church of the Transfiguration, located on the territory of the convent, on the day of the Transfiguration of Jesus.
The convent is famous for the Basilica of the Transfiguration of Jesus, designed by Antonio Barluzzi.
Saviours of the Apple Feast Day FAQs
When is Saviours of the Apple Feast Day?
Saviours of the Apple Feast Day in 2026 falls on Wednesday, August 19, inviting all to partake in the blessing and enjoyment of ripe apples.
What is the significance of apples on this day?
Apples symbolize the first fruits of the harvest, consecrated in Russian Orthodox churches before being eaten. This tradition, rooted in pre-Christian harvest festivals, ensures the new crop is blessed.
How is Saviours of the Apple Feast Day celebrated?
Celebrations typically involve bringing apples and other fruits to church for blessing, followed by a feast of apple pies, compotes, and other dishes. It’s a day for sharing the harvest with family and friends.
Is Saviours of the Apple Feast Day only celebrated in Russia?
While originating in Russia and Eastern Slavic cultures, the holiday is observed by Orthodox Christians globally, particularly in countries with strong Russian Orthodox communities.
How to Observe Saviours of the Apple Feast Day
Go to church
The Savior of the Apple Feast Day is impossible to imagine without blessed apples. On this day, it is the main delicacy on the table. So do not hesitate and go to church to consecrate apples and other fruits.
Bake a pie
On the day, people bake apples, pies, and pancakes with apples, mushrooms, and berries. In folk traditions, pies were made from lean dough. Do not forget to treat family, as well as the needy.
Meet the sunset
On this day, Russian people said goodbye to the sunset in the field with song. As soon as the sun touched the horizon, they stopped talking and started singing. Join this unusual tradition and sing along!
5 Facts About Russia That Will Blow Your Mind
The world’s longest railway is here
The total length of the Trans-Siberian Railway is 5,772 miles, and it even connects with China and Mongolia.
It’s home to famous literature
Some of the best and most respected writers have been from Russia, such as Alexander Pushkin, Ivan Turgenev, and Fyodor Dostoevsky.
It has 12 active volcanoes
Of these volcanoes, Kamchatka is one of the most visited due to its affordable location.
The world’s coldest village is here
During winters in Oymyakon, the average temperature is -58 degrees Fahrenheit.
There are 11 time zones
However, even with 11 time zones, Russia is still not the country with the most number of time zones.
Why Saviours of the Apple Feast Day is Important
It has a special meaning
Savior of the Apple Feast Day means the oncoming autumn and the transformation of nature. This is very important for the harvest.
There are apples
Everyone loves apples, and on this day, people can fully enjoy this delicious fruit, blessed by Jesus. They bake as many apple pies as they want.
It’s a day to commemorate the appearance of Jesus
This holiday has a religious significance. It aims to honor the day when Jesus Christ appeared before the disciples in all his divine glory.
Saviours of the Apple Feast Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | August 19 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | August 19 | Thursday |
| 2028 | August 19 | Saturday |
| 2029 | August 19 | Sunday |
| 2030 | August 19 | Monday |
