The Life-Giving Cross
Today is the Procession of the Honorable Wood of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord (First of the three “Feasts of the Savior” in August).
Because of the illnesses which occur during the month of August, it was customary at Constantinople to carry the Precious Wood of the Cross in procession throughout the city for its sanctification and to deliver it from sickness.
During the Dormition Fast, from August 1 until the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos on August 15th, there was a procession throughout the entire city, and then the Cross was placed where all the people could venerate it.
In Russia, there may also be a Blessing of Honey on this day (thus it is also called “the Savior of the Honey), because, on this day, the newly-gathered honey is blessed and tasted.