Fasting

Weekly fasts

• Wednesday Fast

  Regular weekly fast remembering the betrayal of Christ.

• Friday Fast

  Regular weekly fast remembering the Crucifixion of Christ.

Wednesday and Friday fasts are not observed during fast-free periods.

Fasting seasons

1. Great Lent

   Feb 23 – Apr 3

   The forty-day Great Fast preparing the faithful for Pascha.

2. Holy Week

   Apr 4 – Apr 11

   The week of Christ's Passion, kept with strict fast and intense prayer.

3. Apostles' Fast

   Jun 8 – Jun 28

   Begins the Monday after All Saints and concludes on the eve of Sts. Peter and Paul.

4. Dormition Fast

   Aug 1 – Aug 14

   A strict two-week fast in honor of the Theotokos, ending on the Dormition.

5. Nativity Fast

   Nov 15 – Dec 24

   Forty-day preparation for the Nativity of Christ.

Fast-free periods

1. Bright Week

   Apr 12 – Apr 18

   Fast-free week celebrating Christ's Resurrection.

2. Week after Pentecost

   May 31 – Jun 6

   Fast-free week following Pentecost.

3. Nativity Fast-Free Period

   Dec 25 – Jan 4

   Fast-free days from the Nativity through the eve of Theophany.