FASTING GUIDELINES

Wednesdays & Fridays
All are observed with fasting unless a feast takes precedence over the fast. Wednesdays are in remembrance of Judas' betrayal of Christ, and Fridays of Jesus Christ's Passion and Death upon the Cross.

Great Lent
This forty-day fast begins on the Monday after Cheesefare Sunday and lasts until the Saturday of Lazarus.

Holy Week
This is a special fast in honor of Our Lord's Passion that begins on the evening of Palm Sunday and is held through Holy Saturday evening.

Holy Apostles Fast
The length of this fasting period varies, as it is dependent upon the date of Pascha. It begins on the Monday after the Feast of All Saints (the Sunday following Pentecost), ksts through the Feast of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and ends June 30.

Dormition Fast
This fast begins August 1 and is held through August 14.

Nativity (Christmas) Fast
This forty-day fast begins November 15 and is held through December 24.

Strict Fast Days
• August 29, The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist
• September 14, The Elevation of the Holy Cross
• January 5, The Forefeast (Eve) of The Epiphany of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

Fast-Free Periods
• December 25 through January 4, following the Holy Nativity
• The first week of the Triodion, after the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee
• The week following Judgement (Meatfare) Sunday, during which dairy is still permitted
• Bright (Renewal) Week, following Pascha
• Holy Spirit Week, following Pentecost