Church Fasts
In addition to the numerous feasts of the Church, there are many fasts. The Orthodox Church fasts over 200 days of the year. It is important to mention that the term “fast” doesn’t mean strict abstinence from sunrise to sunset. Fasting differs for each individual with the guidance of their spiritual father.
Wednesdays & Fridays
Every Wednesday and Friday throughout the year is a fast (except during the Holy Fifty Days after the Feast of the Resurrection) in which we remember Christ’s betrayal crucifixion. These days often include abstinence for a set period of time (again, according to the guidance of a spiritual father) and a vegan diet.
Nativity Fast & Kiahk
The Nativity Fast takes place in the 43 days before the Nativity Feast. Forty of these days symbolize the forty days that Moses and Elijah fasted. The other three days commemorate the fast before the Miracle of the Mokattam Mountain (literally, the Split Mountain).
Jonah’s Fast
Jonah’s Fast lasts three days and occurs two weeks before Lent. Many people suggest reading the book of Jonah during this fast.
Great Lent
Lent is the longest fasting season of the Church and also one of the most well-known and observed fasts. Lent is fifty-five days long and ends immediately before Holy Week. This period of fasting is a time where the Church urges believers to seriously reflect on their lives and repent. This season is viewed as a season of penance to prepare the congregation for Holy Week and the Feast of the Resurrection.
Holy Week
Holy Week directly precedes the Resurrection and starts the night of Palm Sunday. This time of fasting is the most sacred time of year. During Holy Week, there are special prayers for each part of the day. There are also multiple services each day that follow all of the events in our Lord Jesus Christ’s life in the week leading up to His crucifixion.
Apostles’ Fast
The Apostles’ Fast starts the day after the Feast of the Pentecost and ends on July 12 each year. This is a season that is often dedicated to serving others and following the example of the apostles.
St. Mary’s Fast
St. Mary’s Fast begins on August 7 each year and ends August 22, which is the Feast of the Assumption of St. Mary’s body.These two weeks are a time to reflect on the life of St. Mary and other saints. This fast is known as “the Revival.”
Paramoun Fasts
Paramoun fasts are dedicated days of fasting that directly precede three major feasts: the Nativity, Theophany, and Resurrection Feasts. The Paramoun may last multiple days depending on the day of the week the feast occurs. Since the Paramoun should be observed with abstinence, the Paramoun includes all of the days up to the feast starting from the closest day where abstinence is allowed. Since abstinence-fasting is not allowed on Saturday or Sunday, if one of these feasts fall on Monday, then Friday through Sunday becomes the Paramoun fast. These days of fasting prepare the believer to partake of communion and celebrate the present feast.
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