August 15, 2012
The First Feast of the Savior in the Eastern American Diocese
On
August 14, the first day of the Dormition Fast, the Orthodox Church
marks the feast day of the Procession of the Life-Giving Cross of
the Lord, also known as the "First Savior," the "Honey Savior," or
the "Savior on the Water." At the end of the Liturgy, in accordance
with the Typicon, the Lesser Blessing of the Water and blessing of
honey take place. On this day, bees cease their production of honey
and begin to eat their reserves. Therefore, the honey is collected
and brought to church for blessing on the First Feast of the Savior.
On Tuesday, August 14, the Divine Liturgy was served in many
monasteries and parishes of the Eastern America Diocese, followed by
the blessing of water and honey.
His Grace, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop George of
Mayfield, performed the right of the Blessing of the Water at Holy
Cross Monastery in Wayne, WV, co-served by monastery clergy. His
Grace also blessed honey prepared by the monastery’s apiarists
(beekeepers).
His Grace, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Jerome of
Manhattan, celebrated the Divine Liturgy in New York City’s Synodal
Cathedral of the Sign, co-served by Synodal clergy. After the
Liturgy, the rite of the Blessing of the Water was served in the
lower St. Sergius Chapel of the Synodal Headquarters.
Visitors to the diocesan website are invited to view photos of the
Blessings of the water and honey in various churches of the Eastern
American Diocese.
Holy Cross Monastery - Wayne, WV
Holy Cross Brotherhood - East Setauket, NY
St. Vladimir Memorial Church - Jackson, NJ
St. John of San Francisco Church - Framingham, MA
St. George's Church - Howell, NJ
St. Elizabeth the New Martyr Church - Columbia, SC
If you would like to submit your photos for publication, please
email them to
eadwebmaster@gmail.com
Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese
