The royal road

Fasting

The Church's rhythm of self-denial and prayer.

Today's Fast

Strict Fast

Dormition Fast

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

Weekly fasts

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

Fasting seasons

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.

Upcoming fasting seasons

  1. Dormition Fast

    Aug 1 – Aug 14

  2. Nativity Fast

    Nov 15 – Dec 24

  3. Great Lent

    Mar 15 – Apr 23

  4. Holy Week

    Apr 24 – May 1

Tap any fasting category to view permitted and restricted foods.