Honey Savior Day 2026: When Is Makoviya Celebrated and What Are the Traditions?
Honey Spas, or Makoviya, marks the beginning of the cycle of the three summer Spas and is one of the most revered folk-religious holidays in Ukraine. After the Orthodox Church of Ukraine adopted the New Julian calendar, the date of the celebration changed, but the long-standing traditions have remained the same.
In 2026, Honey Spas will be celebrated on August 1.
On this day, Orthodox Christians honor the Holy Martyrs of the Maccabees and celebrate the Feast of the Origin of the Precious Cross of the Lord.
In addition, August 1 marks the beginning of the Dormition Fast, which lasts two weeks and concludes with the Feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God.
The name “Honey Savior” is associated with the end of the first major honey harvest. It was at the beginning of August that beekeepers traditionally extracted fresh honey and brought it to the church for blessing.
Another common name for the holiday is Makoviya. It derives from the commemoration of the Holy Martyrs of the Maccabees, whom the Church honors on this day.
According to an ancient tradition, believers bring to the church:
- freshly harvested honey;
- poppy seeds;
- water;
- “makoviychiki”—bouquets of wild and medicinal herbs;
- flowers;
- homemade baked goods with honey or poppy seeds.
After the blessing, honey is considered a symbol of God’s blessing, and makoviychiki are kept in homes throughout the year as a talisman and a symbol of well-being.
On Saturday, August 1, 2026, Orthodox Christians in Ukraine will begin the Dormition Fast—one of the four multi-day fasts of the church year. It will last through August 14, and on August 15, believers will celebrate the Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God according to the New Julian calendar.
