Blessing of apples, Orthodox feast of the Transfiguration (Apple-Blessing feast), Azdamichy 2015. Асьвячэньне яблыкаў, Яблычны спас, Аздамічы 2015 г.
On the first of three circuits of the churchyard, Father Aljaksandr censes the fruit.
On his second circuit, Father Aljaksandr blesses the fruit with holy water.
For their patience during the long service, kids are rewarded with first bites of the blessed apples…
…as parishioners await Father Ajaksandr’s third circuit, when he presents the cross for each person to kiss.
The kissing of the cross is another moment which demonstrates parents’ and grandparents’ keen interest in passing on their faith and traditions to their offspring. No one lingers after kissing the cross; people hasten to the cemetery to place blessed fruit on the graves of their forebears.
