Orthodox Lent: A Time of Preparation for the Most Important
Introduction
Orthodox Lent, also known as the Great Fast, is a time of preparation leading up to the most important feast in the Orthodox Christian calendar: Pascha (Easter).
Types of Fasting in the Orthodox Church
Within the Orthodox Church, there are three main types of fasting:
- Full fasting: No food or drink is consumed, except for water and black coffee or tea.
- Partial fasting: Only certain foods are permitted, such as vegetables, fruits, and olive oil.
- Intermittent fasting: Food is consumed only during specified hours each day.
Dates of Fasting in the Orthodox Church
The following are some of the key fasting periods in the Orthodox Church:
- Great Lent: This is the longest and most rigorous fasting period, lasting for 40 days before Pascha.
- Dormition Fast: This fast is observed from August 9th to August 15th in honor of the Dormition of the Theotokos (Virgin Mary).
- Christmas Fast: This fast begins on November 15th and ends on December 24th.
- Apostles Fast: This fast is observed from June 29th to July 12th in honor of the Apostles Peter and Paul.
- Transfiguration Fast: This fast is observed from August 6th to August 19th in honor of the Transfiguration of Christ on Mount Tabor.
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