Orthodox Christians celebrate Savior of the Apple Feast Day

19 August is the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, popularly known as Yablochny Spas (Savior of the Apple Feast Day). Traditionally on this day, a prayer for the blessing of “the firstfruits of the harvest” is read in churches, and the priest sprinkles apples, pears, and other fruits with holy water. It is believed that from this day on, the harvest may be consumed.