A New Date for a Beloved Summer Feast
The Orthodox Church of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church now celebrate Honey Savior in early August rather than on August 14, after adopting the Revised Julian calendar. The feast, also widely known as Makoviy, is the first of three summer Saviors and marks the beginning of the Dormition Fast. In churches, the first honey of the season, drinking water, and festive bouquets called makoviichyky are blessed.
This day is also about water: new wells, springs, and other bodies of water are consecrated as well. A traditional makoviichyk is composed of poppy heads, wheat ears, mint, thyme, lovage, and cornflowers. Folk tradition holds that blessed honey brings good health, while a dried bouquet placed behind icons protects the home.
The Feast’s Roots and Significance
The feast also bears an older name: “Savior on the Water.” According to tradition, on August 1 by the old calendar, Prince Volodymyr baptized the people of Kyiv in the Dnipro River. With Makoviy, a strict two-week Dormition Fast begins, during which believers give up meat and dairy entirely. The festive table features lenten baked goods with poppy seeds and honey, and the main treat is shulyky, also known as lamantsi—flatbreads baked, then broken into small pieces and covered with a honey-and-poppy sauce.
Ancestors believed that honey consecrated at Makoviy had healing powers, which highlights the holiday’s place in traditional culture. For both churches, the move to the Revised Julian calendar is a notable step, one that may strengthen unity among the faithful and simplify how important events are observed. The new date could also alter long-standing customs linked to Honey Savior, prompting people to rethink how they connect with their cultural heritage. Even so, the feast remains a meaningful part of Ukrainian identity and continues to hold deep value in society.
The recent change in the date of Honey Savior highlights the evolving traditions within the Ukrainian Orthodox and Greek Catholic communities. As these celebrations adapt, it’s essential to stay informed about other significant events in the liturgical calendar. For instance, the upcoming dates for the Three Spas celebrations in 2026 promise to further enrich the cultural landscape, reflecting the ongoing interplay between tradition and modernity.