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When faith overcomes superstitions Shawls and kerchiefs from Pavlovsky Posad

Holy Transfiguration Day with Apple flavour

By Gazeta Russa
In Russia, Aug. 19 marks the official opening of apple season with the celebration of Apple Savior or Yablochniy Spas.<br>Saint Petersburg<br />
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In Russia, Aug. 19 marks the official opening of apple season with the celebration of Apple Savior or Yablochniy Spas.
Saint Petersburg
It is one of the three Saviour (Spas) days. The holiday has a pre-Christian origin like so many of Russia’s ancient holidays, and it has not only religious, but deep agrarian and culinary significance being associated with harvesting of ripe fruits, especially apples.<br>Saint Petersburg<br />

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It is one of the three Saviour (Spas) days. The holiday has a pre-Christian origin like so many of Russia’s ancient holidays, and it has not only religious, but deep agrarian and culinary significance being associated with harvesting of ripe fruits, especially apples.
Saint Petersburg
Yablochny Spas or the Apple Feast of the Savior is the Russian folk name for the Transfiguration holiday, a fruit-blessing festival rooted in an early Christian rite.<br>Saint Petersburg<br />

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Yablochny Spas or the Apple Feast of the Savior is the Russian folk name for the Transfiguration holiday, a fruit-blessing festival rooted in an early Christian rite.
Saint Petersburg
Chronologically, August 19 does not coincide with the supposed date of Transfiguration. The Gospel indicates that this episode took place in spring, 40 days before the Resurrection of Christ.<br>Saint Petersburg<br />

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Chronologically, August 19 does not coincide with the supposed date of Transfiguration. The Gospel indicates that this episode took place in spring, 40 days before the Resurrection of Christ.
Saint Petersburg
There is no fixed date for the feast of Transfiguration. Catholics celebrate it on August 6, if it falls on Sunday or on the first Sunday after August 6, according to the Gregorian calendar which is 13 days ahead of the Julian calendar used by the Orthodox Christian Church. <br>Omsk<br />

RIA Novosti

There is no fixed date for the feast of Transfiguration. Catholics celebrate it on August 6, if it falls on Sunday or on the first Sunday after August 6, according to the Gregorian calendar which is 13 days ahead of the Julian calendar used by the Orthodox Christian Church.
Omsk
"The Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ holiday is urging all faithful to transform their hearts and souls. Owing to this biblical occurrence people should think of what their hearts look like, whether God is kept inside them or they are still seeking Him. The faithful also need to address their thoughts and will to God and muse over living a spiritual life," said spokesman for the Moscow Patriarchate Georgy Roshchin.<br>Saint Petersburg<br />

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"The Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ holiday is urging all faithful to transform their hearts and souls. Owing to this biblical occurrence people should think of what their hearts look like, whether God is kept inside them or they are still seeking Him. The faithful also need to address their thoughts and will to God and muse over living a spiritual life," said spokesman for the Moscow Patriarchate Georgy Roshchin.
Saint Petersburg
The history of the holiday's establishment is quite interesting too. Initially less solemn and large-scale in character, it was celebrated only in Palestine.<br>Yekaterinburg<br />

RIA Novosti

The history of the holiday's establishment is quite interesting too. Initially less solemn and large-scale in character, it was celebrated only in Palestine.
Yekaterinburg
Only in the 15th century, the Transfiguration of the Savior became one of the major Christian holidays, even though the occurrence itself was more symbolic than historical.<br>Yekaterinburg<br />

RIA Novosti

Only in the 15th century, the Transfiguration of the Savior became one of the major Christian holidays, even though the occurrence itself was more symbolic than historical.
Yekaterinburg
Gospels say that the virtual absorption of Jesus Christ’s human nature by His divinity took place 40 days before Easter, approximately in March-April, according to present-day calendars.<br>Saint Petersburg<br />

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Gospels say that the virtual absorption of Jesus Christ’s human nature by His divinity took place 40 days before Easter, approximately in March-April, according to present-day calendars.
Saint Petersburg
Since Orthodox Christians have a strick fast on those days, it was decided back in the Middle Age to move the celebrations to August.<br>Saint Petersburg<br />

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Since Orthodox Christians have a strick fast on those days, it was decided back in the Middle Age to move the celebrations to August.
Saint Petersburg
Since the old days, the Transfiguration of the Savior has been known as the Apple Feast, since it was traditionally apple harvest time in Russia. The fruit and vegetables are not consumed before the blessing, only afterwards the apples are considered ripe enough to eat.<br>Saint Petersburg<br />

PhotoXPress

Since the old days, the Transfiguration of the Savior has been known as the Apple Feast, since it was traditionally apple harvest time in Russia. The fruit and vegetables are not consumed before the blessing, only afterwards the apples are considered ripe enough to eat.
Saint Petersburg
Russians conclude the spiritual occasion with a fair, singing and dancing.<br>Saint Petersburg<br />

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Russians conclude the spiritual occasion with a fair, singing and dancing.
Saint Petersburg
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August 20, 2012
Tags: religion, customs

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