Fasting



Days of fasting are observed regularly, with abstinence from meat (including poultry), dairy products, fish, olive oil and wine. The fasting is not to receive anything that comes from animals that have blood, meat, fish, dairy products, eggs, olive oil and wine. Fruits, vegetables, grains and shellfish are permitted throughout the year. Fasting is accompanied by intensified prayer and acts of charity.

The Church also recognizes that not everyone can fast to the same degree, and assumes that individual Christians will observe the fast prescribed for them by their spiritual father. Those with medical conditions may be excused from fasting with permission from their confessor.

Fasting is a discipline of faith with deep meaning, and should be explained personally by the priest during confession.

Days Of Fasting In The Orthodox Faith



* Every Wednesday and Friday, except for those noted below:
* January 5th. One Day. The day before the Feast of Theophany.
* Cheesefare Week. The last week before Great Lent, during which meat and fish are prohibited, but dairy products are permitted even on Wednesday and Friday.
* Great Lent. From Clean Monday to the Saturday of Lazarus, strict fast of the Great Lent. March 25th Annunciation Feast Day and Palm Sunday fish is allowed.
* Holy Week. from Holy Monday to Easter Sunday. Holy Saturday is the only Saturday of the year that boiled Fasting is allowed the rest of the year is oily products are consumed on Saturdays.
* From All Saints Sunday to June 29th. Fast of the Disciples. This period can be 0 day to 30 days, depends when is All Saints Day which, is always 57th days after Easter.
* August 1st to 15th. Dormition or Assumption of Virgin Mary. Excluding August 6, on which fish, wine and olive oil are permitted.
* August 29th. One Day. Beheading of Saint John the Baptist.
* September 14th. One Day. Elevation of the Holy Cross.
* November 15th to December 25th. Advent Lent: Christmas Fast. Also this fast can start from December 12th to Christmas. Fish, wine and olive oil are premitted, except on Wednesdays and Fridays, until December 17.
No fasting the whole Bright week. Easter to 1st Sunday After Easter.
No Fasting from Christmas to January 5th. (The 12 festal days of Christmas).