On Wednesday, August 19, Orthodox Christians celebrate the Transfiguration of the Lord. The holiday is popularly known as the Apple Savior.
On this day, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia will celebrate a solemn liturgy at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. The service will start at 10:00.
Also, for the first time, the holiday will be celebrated in the Main Church of the Russian Armed Forces in the Patriot Park. An apple fair will open on Cathedral Square, TASS notes.
The Transfiguration of the Lord is one of the twelve feasts associated with the life of Jesus Christ. According to the Bible, the apostles Peter, James and John, on their way to Galilee, together with Jesus Christ climbed the mountain to pray. There they first saw the transfigured Christ, who appeared before them in a divine guise.
The Transfiguration of the Lord is celebrated at the height of the Dormition Fast. During this period, believers do not eat meat, milk and fish.
In the churches on the holiday, the fruits of the new harvest are consecrated. In Russia, apples and other seasonal fruits were illuminated at this time.
On July 28, Patriarch Kirill, in the course of his sermon, urged not to abandon Orthodoxy and to follow the historical choice of Prince Vladimir, who baptized Russia in 988.