This is one of the most important twelve major feasts, which has a fixed date. It has long been associated with the ripening of apples and other fruits of the new harvest, which are traditionally blessed in churches on this day. The Apple Spas is celebrated annually on August 19. The date is fixed and does not change. In 2026, the celebration falls on a Wednesday and coincides with the middle of the Assumption Fast, which lasts from August 14 to August 27 this year. ## What is this holiday: The Transfiguration of the Lord The church name of the holiday is the Transfiguration of the Lord. It is based on an event described in three Gospels (from Matthew, Mark, and Luke). According to the Holy Scripture, shortly before the Passion of Christ, Jesus took three of his closest disciples — Peter, James, and John — and went up the Mount Tabor with them. During prayer, His face shone, and His clothes became dazzling white. The prophets Moses and Elijah appeared next to Him, and a voice from the cloud spoke, testifying to the divine nature of the Savior. This event became a spiritual confirmation for the apostles of the divinity of Jesus Christ on the eve of the upcoming trials. The holiday was established in the 4th century when Saint Queen Helena built the first church in honor of the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor. ## Why is it called Apple Spas The name "Apple Spas" is associated with the folk tradition of blessing the fruits of the new harvest on this day. In Byzantium and Mediterranean countries, grapes ripened by August 19 — they were brought to churches. In Russia, grapes did not grow everywhere, so they were replaced by apples, which were just ripening in mid-August. In ancient times, there was a strict belief: the apples of the new harvest were not eaten until they were blessed in church. It was believed that unblessed fruits had not yet "gained full strength." After the festive liturgy, the blessed apples became the main treat. They were given to relatives, neighbors, the poor, and also taken to the graves of the deceased. Hence the folk saying: "On the second Spas, even a beggar will eat an apple." The word "Spas" is a shortened form of "Savior," meaning Jesus Christ. ## Traditions of Apple Spas The main tradition of the holiday is visiting the church and participating in the festive liturgy. After the service, the priest performs the rite of blessing the fruits: he reads a prayer and sprinkles the brought apples, pears, plums, grapes, and other fruits with holy water. On this day, the clergy serve in white vestments — they symbolize the Tabor light that the apostles saw on the mountain. The blessed fruits are traditionally placed in the red corner under the icons, given to loved ones, shared with neighbors, and distributed to those in need. Generosity on this day is considered not just a good deed but an important part of the holiday's meaning. Since Apple Spas falls during the Assumption Fast, the church regulations allow a concession on this day: believers are permitted to eat fish, vegetable oil, and hot food. On this day, it is customary to prepare dishes made from apples: baked apples with honey and nuts, charlotte, jams, compotes, and dumplings with apple filling. Families gather at the common table, thanking God for the harvest and sharing joy with their loved ones.
