Author: Protodeacon David

Fasting Guidelines: Dormition Fast 2021

Protodeacon David
Dormition Icon

On Sunday, August 15, we will celebrate the Dormition of our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-virgin Mary. In preparation for this great feast of the Mother of God, we observe a two-week period of fasting from August 1-14.

Following are the fasting guidelines for the Dormition Fast for this year, according to the general practice of All Saints parish and as approved for publication by Fr. David Winn.

Note that these fasting guidelines are general. Fasting is a spiritual discipline that should be practiced with the oversight and direction of your spiritual father. If you have any specific questions about how the fasting discipline applies to you, you should consult your spiritual father. In the case of All Saints parishioners, you should seek guidance from Fr. David.

The general guidelines for the Dormition Fast are as follows:

WEEKDAYS are Strict Fast Days. On these days we abstain from meat, dairy, fish with backbones, fowl, wine, and oil.

SATURDAYS and SUNDAYS are Wine and Oil Days. On these days the fast is relaxed to permit wine and oil, but we still abstain from meat, dairy, fish with backbones, and fowl.

The one exception to these general rules is that the Great Feast of the Holy Transfiguration of our Lord, God, and Saviour Jesus Christ (August 6), which always falls during the Dormition Fast, is celebrated as a Fish, Wine, and Oil Day. On this great feastday, the fast is relaxed to permit fish with backbones in addition to wine and oil, but we still abstain from meat, dairy, and fowl.

Notes:

  1. Meals for the fast should follow the dietary restrictions and be cooked simply. Portions should be smaller than usual.
  2. If you have a medical condition that requires you to relax the fasting guidelines, then do so.
  3. Generally speaking, children and elderly people are allowed to relax the fast under the guidance of their spiritual father.

Fasting Guidelines: Apostles’ Fast 2021

Protodeacon David

Ss. Peter and PaulOn Monday, June 28, we begin the Apostles’ Fast, one of the four canonical fasting periods of the Church year. The Apostles’ Fast always begins the Monday following All Saints Sunday and ends on June 29, the feastday of Ss. Peter and Paul, Chiefs of the Apostles. The duration of this fast varies each year depending on the date of Pascha (which determines the date of All Saints). This year the fast is only one day long!

This post will provide you with the fasting guidelines for the Apostles’ Fast for this year, according to the general practice of All Saints parish and as approved for publication by Fr. David Winn.

These guidelines are general. Fasting is a spiritual discipline that should be practiced with the oversight and direction of your spiritual father. If you have any specific questions about how the fasting discipline applies to you, you should consult your spiritual father. In the case of All Saints parishioners, your spiritual father is Fr. David.

The general guidelines for the Apostles’ Fast are as follows:

MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS, and FRIDAYS are Strict Fast Days. On these days we abstain from meat, dairy, fish with backbones, fowl, wine, and oil.

TUESDAYS and THURSDAYS are Wine and Oil Days. On these days the fast is relaxed to permit wine and oil, but we still abstain from meat, dairy, fish with backbones, and fowl.

SATURDAYS and SUNDAYS are Fish, Wine, and Oil Days. On these days the fast is further relaxed to permit fish with backbones in addition to wine and oil, but we still abstain from meat, dairy, and fowl.

Notes:

  1. Meals for the fast should follow the dietary restrictions and be cooked simply. Portions should be smaller than usual.
  2. If you have a medical condition that requires you to relax the fasting guidelines, then do so.
  3. Generally speaking, children and elderly people are allowed to relax the fast under the guidance of their spiritual father.

Fasting Guidelines: Great Lent 2021

Protodeacon David

This year, our journey through the Lenten fast to Pascha begins at Forgiveness Vespers on Sunday, March 14. The Church, in her wisdom, begins preparing us for this most-holy time in the weeks that precede the fast.  This post will provide you with the fasting guidelines for the pre-Lenten period of preparation, Great Lent, and Holy Week, according to the general practice of All Saints parish and as approved for publication by Fr. David Winn.

The guidelines in this post are general.  Fasting is a spiritual discipline that should be practiced with the oversight and direction of your spiritual father. If you have any specific questions about how the fasting discipline applies to you, you should consult your spiritual father. In the case of All Saints parishioners, your spiritual father is Fr. David.

WEEKS OF PREPARATION 2021 (February 21 – March 14)

Four Sundays of preparation precede Great Lent. The Church eases us into the fasting discipline during these weeks of preparation as follows:

  • February 21 is the Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee and the week that follows (February 22 – 28) is fast-free. There is no Wednesday or Friday fast this week.
  • February 28 is the Sunday of the Prodigal Son and the week that follows (March 1 – 7) is a normal week. Wednesday and Friday of this week are fasting days.
  • March 7 is Meatfare Sunday (the Sunday of the Last Judgment) and on this day we say “farewell” to meat. During the week that follows (March 8 – 14) we fast from meat only. All dairy, cheese, eggs, wine, and oil are permitted during this week, even on Wednesday and Friday.
  • March 14 is Cheesefare Sunday (the Sunday of Forgiveness) and on this day we say “farewell” to cheese, dairy, eggs, wine, oil, etc. This begins the fast proper.

GREAT LENT AND HOLY WEEK 2021 (March 15 – May 1)

The Lenten fasting discipline commences after Forgiveness Vespers on March 14 and concludes with the breaking of the fast at Pascha on May 2.  In general, the fasting rules during Great Lent and Holy Week are as follows:

WEEKDAYS (Monday – Friday) are observed as Strict Fast Days.  On these days we abstain from meat, dairy, fish with backbones, fowl, alcoholic beverages, and oil.

WEEKENDS (Saturday and Sunday) are observed as Wine and Oil Days.  On these days the fast is relaxed to permit alcoholic beverages and olive and other vegetable oils.

In addition, two special feastdays that fall during this period – Annunciation (March 25) and Palm Sunday (April 25, this year) – are kept as Fish, Wine, and Oil Days.  On these days the fast is relaxed to permit fish with backbones, in addition to alcoholic beverages and oil.

There are certain days of the Holy Week cycle that have special fasting rules.

  • Great and Holy Thursday (April 29, this year) is observed as a Wine and Oil Day due to the commemoration of the institution of the Eucharist.
  • Great and Holy Saturday (May 1, this year) is observed as a Strict Fast Day – the only Saturday of the year kept as a strict fast; however, wine (but not oil) is permitted.

Additional Notes:

  1. Meals for the fast should follow the dietary restrictions and be cooked simply. Portions should be smaller than usual.
  2. Fasting on the weekdays of the first week of Great Lent is especially severe. The strictest observance would be to take only two meals during this week – one on Wednesday evening and one on Friday evening after the services scheduled for those nights – keeping Clean Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday as absolute fasts (i.e., no food whatsoever). For many this is impracticable. A good starting place to work towards the strict observance is to keep the first day of Great Lent, Clean Monday, as an absolute fast and to limit meals on the other days.
  3. It is a pious practice to observe Great and Holy Friday as an absolute fast. If one does not have the strength to do this, it is good to abstain from food until after venerating the epitaphios (winding sheet) during Vespers on this day.
  4. If you have a medical condition that requires you to relax the fasting guidelines, then do so.
  5. Before you attempt to strictly follow the fasting guidelines, consult with Fr. David. It is very easy to lose sight of the fact that fasting is merely a means to an end (that is, our salvation) and not an end in itself.
  6. Generally speaking, children and elderly people are allowed to relax the fast under the guidance of their spiritual father.

Fasting Guidelines: Nativity Fast 2020

Protodeacon David

The Nativity Fast begins this year on Sunday, November 15. This fast helps us prepare to properly celebrate our Lord’s nativity in the flesh and it is to our benefit to observe it as fully as possible.

Following are the guidelines for this fast, according to the general practice of All Saints parish and as approved for publication by Fr. Nicholas. These guidelines are general. Fasting is a spiritual discipline that should be practiced with the oversight and direction of your spiritual father. You should consult your spiritual father if you have any specific questions about the fasting discipline as it applies to you.

Remember that almsgiving is a special part of this particular fast. Further, limiting one’s entertainments and increasing other aspects of one’s spiritual life — prayer, reading of the Bible and Church Fathers, attendance at Divine Services — is a part of every fast.

THANKSGIVING DAY — Our bishops have decreed that the faithful of the Antiochian Archdiocese in the USA may relax the fast entirely to observe the Thanksgiving Day national celebration, which falls on November 26 this year.

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR THE NATIVITY FAST 2020

MONDAYs, WEDNESDAYs, and FRIDAYs of this fast are Strict Fast days. On these days we abstain from meat, dairy, fish with backbones, fowl, alcoholic beverages, and olive oil.

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TUESDAYs and THURSDAYs of the fast are Wine and Oil days. On these days the fasting discipline is relaxed a bit to permit wine and olive oil.

SATURDAYs and SUNDAYs of the fast are Fish, Wine, and Oil days. On these days the fast is relaxed even more to permit fish with backbones in addition to wine and oil.

During the forefeast of the Nativity, from December 20-24, our fasting is more strict. Each weekday that falls during this period is generally kept as a Strict Fast day, while any Saturday or Sunday is observed as a Wine and Oil day. The Eve of the Feast, December 24, however, is always kept as a Strict Fast day.

Foods that are permitted on all days are vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, and shellfish.

EXCEPTIONS FOR THE NATIVITY FAST 2020

The fasting discipline varies from the general guidelines noted above according to the commemoration of the day.

The feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple, November 21, is always kept as a Fish, Wine, and Oil day, no matter what day of the week it falls on.

In addition, the following days fall on a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday, or during the forefeast. Nevertheless, they are kept as Wine and Oil days due to the commemorations observed on such days:

  • NOV 25 – Great-martyr Katherine of Alexandria
  • NOV 30 – Apostle Andrew the First-called
  • DEC 04 – Great-martyr Barbara of Heliopolis/St. John of Damascus
  • DEC 06 – Nicholas the Wonder-worker, Bishop of Myra in Lycia
  • DEC 09 – Conception of the Theotokos by the Righteous Anna
  • DEC 13  – Herman of Alaska
  • DEC 20 – Hieromartyr Ignatius of Antioch, the God-seer

Please remember that abstaining from food during this period of preparation does us no good if we do not also, as St. John Chrysostom teaches us, fast with

… the eye and the ear and the feet and the hands and all the members of our bodies.

Let the hands fast, by being free of avarice.
Let the feet fast, by ceasing to run after sin.
Let the eyes fast, by disciplining them not to glare at that which is sinful.
Let the ear fast, by not listening to evil talk and gossip.
Let the mouth fast from foul words and unjust criticism.

For what good is it if we abstain from birds and fishes, but bite and devour our brothers?

Fasting Guidelines: Dormition Fast 2020

Protodeacon David

Dormition Icon On Saturday, August 15, we will celebrate the Dormition of our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-virgin Mary. In preparation for this great feast of the Mother of God, we observe a two-week period of fasting from August 1-14.

Following are the fasting guidelines for the Dormition Fast for this year, according to the general practice of All Saints parish and as approved for publication by Fr. Nicholas Sorensen.

Note that these fasting guidelines are general. Fasting is a spiritual discipline that should be practiced with the oversight and direction of your spiritual father. If you have any specific questions about how the fasting discipline applies to you, you should consult your spiritual father. In the case of All Saints parishioners, you should seek guidance from Fr. Nicholas.

The general guidelines for the Dormition Fast are as follows:

WEEKDAYS are Strict Fast Days. On these days we abstain from meat, dairy, fish with backbones, fowl, wine, and oil.

SATURDAYS and SUNDAYS are Wine and Oil Days. On these days the fast is relaxed to permit wine and oil, but we still abstain from meat, dairy, fish with backbones, and fowl.

The one exception to these general rules is that the Great Feast of the Holy Transfiguration of our Lord, God, and Saviour Jesus Christ (August 6), which always falls during the Dormition Fast, is celebrated as a Fish, Wine, and Oil Day. On this great feastday, the fast is relaxed to permit fish with backbones in addition to wine and oil, but we still abstain from meat, dairy, and fowl.

Notes:

  1. Meals for the fast should follow the dietary restrictions and be cooked simply. Portions should be smaller than usual.
  2. If you have a medical condition that requires you to relax the fasting guidelines, then do so.
  3. Generally speaking, children and elderly people are allowed to relax the fast under the guidance of their spiritual father.

Fasting Guidelines: Great Lent 2020

Protodeacon David

This year, our journey through the Lenten fast to Pascha begins at Forgiveness Vespers on Sunday, March 1. The Church, in her wisdom, begins preparing us for this most-holy time in the weeks that precede the fast.  This post will provide you with the fasting guidelines for the pre-Lenten period of preparation, Great Lent, and Holy Week, according to the general practice of All Saints parish and as approved for publication by Fr. Nicholas Sorensen.

The guidelines in this post are general.  Fasting is a spiritual discipline that should be practiced with the oversight and direction of your spiritual father. If you have any specific questions about how the fasting discipline applies to you, you should consult your spiritual father. In the case of All Saints parishioners, your spiritual father is Fr. Nicholas.

WEEKS OF PREPARATION 2020 (February 9 – March 1)

Four Sundays of preparation precede Great Lent. The Church eases us into the fasting discipline during these weeks of preparation as follows:

  • February 9 is the Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee and the week that follows (February 10 – 16) is fast-free. There is no Wednesday or Friday fast this week.
  • February 16 is the Sunday of the Prodigal Son and the week that follows (February 17 – 23) is a normal week. Wednesday and Friday of this week are fasting days.
  • February 23 is Meatfare Sunday (the Sunday of the Last Judgment) and on this day we say “farewell” to meat. During the week that follows (February 24 – March 1) we fast from meat only. All dairy, cheese, eggs, wine, and oil are permitted during this week, even on Wednesday and Friday.
  • March 1 is Cheesefare Sunday (the Sunday of Forgiveness) and on this day we say “farewell” to cheese, dairy, eggs, wine, oil, etc. This begins the fast proper.

GREAT LENT AND HOLY WEEK 2020 (March 2 – April 18)

The Lenten fasting discipline commences after Forgiveness Vespers on March 1 and concludes with the breaking of the fast at Pascha on April 19.  In general, the fasting rules during Great Lent and Holy Week are as follows:

WEEKDAYS (Monday – Friday) are observed as Strict Fast Days.  On these days we abstain from meat, dairy, fish with backbones, fowl, alcoholic beverages, and oil.

WEEKENDS (Saturday and Sunday) are observed as Wine and Oil Days.  On these days the fast is relaxed to permit alcoholic beverages and olive and other vegetable oils.

In addition, two special feastdays that fall during this period – Annunciation (March 25) and Palm Sunday (April 12, this year) – are kept as Fish, Wine, and Oil Days.  On these days the fast is relaxed to permit fish with backbones, in addition to alcoholic beverages and oil.

There are certain days of the Holy Week cycle that have special fasting rules.

  • Great and Holy Thursday (April 16, this year) is observed as a Wine and Oil Day due to the commemoration of the institution of the Eucharist.
  • Great and Holy Saturday (April 18, this year) is observed as a Strict Fast Day – the only Saturday of the year kept as a strict fast; however, wine (but not oil) is permitted.

Additional Notes:

  1. Meals for the fast should follow the dietary restrictions and be cooked simply. Portions should be smaller than usual.
  2. Fasting on the weekdays of the first week of Great Lent is especially severe. The strictest observance would be to take only two meals during this week – one on Wednesday evening and one on Friday evening after the services scheduled for those nights – keeping Pure Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday as absolute fasts (i.e., no food whatsoever). For many this is impracticable. A good starting place to work towards the strict observance is to keep the first day of Great Lent, Pure Monday, as an absolute fast and to limit meals on the other days.
  3. It is a pious practice to observe Great and Holy Friday as an absolute fast. If one does not have the strength to do this, it is good to abstain from food until after venerating the epitaphios (winding sheet) during Vespers on this day.
  4. If you have a medical condition that requires you to relax the fasting guidelines, then do so.
  5. Before you attempt to strictly follow the fasting guidelines, consult with Fr. Nicholas. It is very easy to lose sight of the fact that fasting is merely a means to an end (that is, our salvation) and not an end in itself.
  6. Generally speaking, children and elderly people are allowed to relax the fast under the guidance of their spiritual father.

Fasting Guidelines: Nativity Fast 2019

Protodeacon David

The Nativity Fast begins this year on Friday, November 15. This fast helps us prepare to properly celebrate our Lord’s nativity in the flesh and it is to our benefit to observe it as fully as possible.

Following are the guidelines for this fast, according to the general practice of All Saints parish and as approved for publication by Fr. Nicholas. These guidelines are general. Fasting is a spiritual discipline that should be practiced with the oversight and direction of your spiritual father. You should consult your spiritual father if you have any specific questions about the fasting discipline as it applies to you.

Remember that almsgiving is a special part of this particular fast. Further, limiting one’s entertainments and increasing other aspects of one’s spiritual life — prayer, reading of the Bible and Church Fathers, attendance at Divine Services — is a part of every fast.

THANKSGIVING DAY — Our bishops have decreed that the faithful of the Antiochian Archdiocese in the USA may relax the fast entirely to observe the Thanksgiving Day national celebration, which falls on November 28 this year.

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR THE NATIVITY FAST 2019

MONDAYs, WEDNESDAYs, and FRIDAYs of this fast are Strict Fast days. On these days we abstain from meat, dairy, fish with backbones, fowl, alcoholic beverages, and olive oil.

TUESDAYs and THURSDAYs of the fast are Wine and Oil days. On these days the fasting discipline is relaxed a bit to permit wine and olive oil.

SATURDAYs and SUNDAYs of the fast are Fish, Wine, and Oil days. On these days the fast is relaxed even more to permit fish with backbones in addition to wine and oil.

During the forefeast of the Nativity, from December 20-24, our fasting is more strict. Each weekday that falls during this period is generally kept as a Strict Fast day, while any Saturday or Sunday is observed as a Wine and Oil day. The Eve of the Feast, December 24, however, is always kept as a Strict Fast day.

Foods that are permitted on all days are vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, and shellfish.

EXCEPTIONS FOR THE NATIVITY FAST 2019

The fasting discipline varies from the general guidelines noted above according to the commemoration of the day.

The feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple, November 21, is always kept as a Fish, Wine, and Oil day, no matter what day of the week it falls on.

In addition, the following days fall on a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday, or during the forefeast. Nevertheless, they are kept as Wine and Oil days due to the commemorations observed on such days:

  • NOV 25 – Great-martyr Katherine of Alexandria
  • DEC 04 – Great-martyr Barbara of Heliopolis/St. John of Damascus
  • DEC 06 – Nicholas the Wonder-worker, Bishop of Myra in Lycia
  • DEC 09 – Conception of the Theotokos by the Righteous Anna
  • DEC 13  – Herman of Alaska
  • DEC 20 – Hieromartyr Ignatius of Antioch, the God-seer

Please remember that abstaining from food during this period of preparation does us no good if we do not also, as St. John Chrysostom teaches us, fast with

… the eye and the ear and the feet and the hands and all the members of our bodies.

Let the hands fast, by being free of avarice.
Let the feet fast, by ceasing to run after sin.
Let the eyes fast, by disciplining them not to glare at that which is sinful.
Let the ear fast, by not listening to evil talk and gossip.
Let the mouth fast from foul words and unjust criticism.

For what good is it if we abstain from birds and fishes, but bite and devour our brothers?

Fasting Guidelines: Dormition Fast 2019

Protodeacon David

Dormition Icon On Thursday, August 15, we will celebrate the Dormition of our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-virgin Mary. In preparation for this great feast of the Mother of God, we observe a two-week period of fasting from August 1-14.

Following are the fasting guidelines for the Dormition Fast for this year, according to the general practice of All Saints parish and as approved for publication by Fr. Nicholas Sorensen.

Note that these fasting guidelines are general. Fasting is a spiritual discipline that should be practiced with the oversight and direction of your spiritual father. If you have any specific questions about how the fasting discipline applies to you, you should consult your spiritual father. In the case of All Saints parishioners, you should seek guidance from Fr. Nicholas.

The general guidelines for the Dormition Fast are as follows:

WEEKDAYS are Strict Fast Days. On these days we abstain from meat, dairy, fish with backbones, fowl, wine, and oil.

SATURDAYS and SUNDAYS are Wine and Oil Days. On these days the fast is relaxed to permit wine and oil, but we still abstain from meat, dairy, fish with backbones, and fowl.

The one exception to these general rules is that the Great Feast of the Holy Transfiguration of our Lord, God, and Saviour Jesus Christ (August 6), which always falls during the Dormition Fast, is celebrated as a Fish, Wine, and Oil Day. On this great feastday, the fast is relaxed to permit fish with backbones, in addition to wine and oil, but we still abstain from meat, dairy, and fowl.

Notes:

  1. Meals for the fast should follow the dietary restrictions and be cooked simply. Portions should be smaller than usual.
  2. If you have a medical condition that requires you to relax the fasting guidelines, then do so.
  3. Generally speaking, children and elderly people are allowed to relax the fast under the guidance of their spiritual father.

Fasting Guidelines: Apostles’ Fast 2019

Protodeacon David

Ss. Peter and PaulOn Monday, June 24, we begin the Apostles’ Fast, one of the four canonical fasting periods of the Church year. The Apostles’ Fast always begins the Monday following All Saints Sunday and ends on June 29, the feastday of Ss. Peter and Paul, Chiefs of the Apostles. The duration of this fast varies each year depending on the date of Pascha (which determines the date of All Saints).

This post will provide you with the fasting guidelines for the Apostles’ Fast for this year, according to the general practice of All Saints parish and as approved for publication by Fr. Nicholas Sorensen.

These guidelines are general. Fasting is a spiritual discipline that should be practiced with the oversight and direction of your spiritual father. If you have any specific questions about how the fasting discipline applies to you, you should consult your spiritual father. In the case of All Saints parishioners, your spiritual father is Fr. Nicholas.

The general guidelines for the Apostles’ Fast are as follows:

MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS, and FRIDAYS are Strict Fast Days. On these days we abstain from meat, dairy, fish with backbones, fowl, wine, and oil.

TUESDAYS and THURSDAYS are Wine and Oil Days. On these days the fast is relaxed to permit wine and oil, but we still abstain from meat, dairy, fish with backbones, and fowl.

SATURDAYS and SUNDAYS are Fish, Wine, and Oil Days. On these days the fast is further relaxed to permit fish with backbones in addition to wine and oil, but we still abstain from meat, dairy, and fowl.

Notes:

  1. Meals for the fast should follow the dietary restrictions and be cooked simply. Portions should be smaller than usual.
  2. If you have a medical condition that requires you to relax the fasting guidelines, then do so.
  3. Generally speaking, children and elderly people are allowed to relax the fast under the guidance of their spiritual father.

Fasting Guidelines: Great Lent 2019

Protodeacon David

This year, our journey through the Lenten fast to Pascha begins at Forgiveness Vespers on Sunday, March 10. The Church, in her wisdom, begins preparing us for this most-holy time in the weeks that precede the fast.  This post will provide you with the fasting guidelines for the pre-Lenten period of preparation, Great Lent, and Holy Week, according to the general practice of All Saints parish and as approved for publication by Fr. Nicholas Sorensen.

The guidelines in this post are general.  Fasting is a spiritual discipline that should be practiced with the oversight and direction of your spiritual father. If you have any specific questions about how the fasting discipline applies to you, you should consult your spiritual father. In the case of All Saints parishioners, your spiritual father is Fr. Nicholas.

rusbank.net

WEEKS OF PREPARATION 2019 (February 17 – March 10)

Four Sundays of preparation precede Great Lent. The Church eases us into the fasting discipline during these weeks of preparation as follows:

  • February 17 is the Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee and the week that follows (February 18 – 24) is fast-free. There is no Wednesday or Friday fast this week.
  • February 24 is the Sunday of the Prodigal Son and the week that follows (February 25 – March 3) is a normal week. Wednesday and Friday of this week are fasting days.
  • March 3 is Meatfare Sunday (the Sunday of the Last Judgment) and on this day we say “farewell” to meat. During the week that follows (March 4 – 10) we fast from meat only. All dairy, cheese, eggs, wine, and oil are permitted during this week, even on Wednesday and Friday.
  • March 10 is Cheesefare Sunday (the Sunday of Forgiveness) and on this day we say “farewell” to cheese, dairy, eggs, wine, oil, etc. This begins the fast proper.

GREAT LENT AND HOLY WEEK 2019 (March 11 – April 27)

The Lenten fasting discipline commences after Forgiveness Vespers on March 10 and concludes with the breaking of the fast at Pascha on April 28.  In general, the fasting rules during Great Lent and Holy Week are as follows:

WEEKDAYS (Monday – Friday) are observed as Strict Fast Days.  On these days we abstain from meat, dairy, fish with backbones, fowl, alcoholic beverages, and oil.

WEEKENDS (Saturday and Sunday) are observed as Wine and Oil Days.  On these days the fast is relaxed to permit alcoholic beverages and olive and other vegetable oils.

In addition, two special feastdays that fall during this period – Annunciation (March 25) and Palm Sunday (April 21, this year) – are kept as Fish, Wine, and Oil Days.  On these days the fast is relaxed to permit fish with backbones, in addition to alcoholic beverages and oil.

There are certain days of the Holy Week cycle that have special fasting rules.

  • Great and Holy Thursday (April 25, this year) is observed as a Wine and Oil Day due to the commemoration of the institution of the Eucharist.
  • Great and Holy Saturday (April 27, this year) is observed as a Strict Fast Day – the only Saturday of the year kept as a strict fast; however, wine (but not oil) is permitted.

Additional Notes:

  1. Meals for the fast should follow the dietary restrictions and be cooked simply. Portions should be smaller than usual.
  2. Fasting on the weekdays of the first week of Great Lent is especially severe. The strictest observance would be to take only two meals during this week – one on Wednesday evening and one on Friday evening after the services scheduled for those nights – keeping Pure Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday as absolute fasts (i.e., no food whatsoever). For many this is impracticable. A good starting place to work towards the strict observance is to keep the first day of Great Lent, Pure Monday, as an absolute fast and to limit meals on the other days.
  3. It is a pious practice to observe Great and Holy Friday as an absolute fast. If one does not have the strength to do this, it is good to abstain from food until after venerating the epitaphios (winding sheet) during Vespers on this day.
  4. If you have a medical condition that requires you to relax the fasting guidelines, then do so.
  5. Before you attempt to strictly follow the fasting guidelines, consult with Fr. Nicholas. It is very easy to lose sight of the fact that fasting is merely a means to an end (that is, our salvation) and not an end in itself.
  6. Generally speaking, children and elderly people are allowed to relax the fast under the guidance of their spiritual father.