On Sunday 13 August and Monday 14 August, the first day of the Dormition Fast, we had services for the Procession of the Precious Wood of the Life-giving Cross of the Lord and in honour of the Holy Maccabean Martyrs (+166 BC).  Matins with the bringing out of the Cross was served on Sunday evening and Divine Liturgy was served on Monday morning.  In accordance with the custom of the Russian Orthodox Church, the Lesser Blessing of Water was served after Divine Liturgy.  The parish rector also blessed a small quantity of honey brought by the faithful, it being customary to do so on this day.