On August 14, Christians of the Eastern Rite celebrate the feast of the Carrying out of the precious trees of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord, or the Feast of the All-Merciful Savior and the Most Holy Theotokos. In the people, it is called Poppy Spas, Honey Spas or Makovei.

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Celebration traditions.

It is customary to go to church on this day.. They take with them seasonal fruits, honey, as well as poppy seeds - specially collected bouquets of wildflowers and herbs. It was believed that honey before consecration in the church cannot be eaten..

On the festive table prepared for this day, there must be dishes with poppy seeds.. They also prepared dumplings and pies, which were seasoned with honey.. The meal usually started with a spoonful of honey or poppy seed spring rolls..

On the holiday, it was also customary to swim in open water, it was believed that the water on this day acquires healing power..

But after the Honey Savior, it is no longer possible to swim in rivers and lakes, it is believed that the water begins to “bloom”.

The people also believed that autumn and rains begin from this day..

Prayer to the All-Merciful Savior and the Most Holy Theotokos.

Lord, Holy Lord, living in the Highest, and with Your all-seeing eye look at all creation!

We bow our souls and bodies to you, we pray to you, Holy of Holies, stretch out your invisible hand from your holy dwelling, and bless us all, and forgive us every sin, voluntary and involuntary, committed by word or deed. Grant us, Lord, tenderness, grant the tears of a contrite soul for the cleansing of many of our sins, grant Your great mercy to Your world and to us, Your unworthy servants, as blessed and glorified is Your Name now, and forever, and forever and ever. Amen.