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Dormition Fast

August 1 - September 14

DORMITION FAST
In just a short while, we will begin to prepare for the Falling Asleep and the bodily ascension into Heaven of the Theotokos, Our Most Holy Mother, by participating in a two-week fast. This smaller fast is patterned after the longer Great Fast that precedes the death and Resurrection of her Son, Our Lord Jesus. Shorter?… yes. Less strict?… hmmm..not really. Doable?…absolutely.

From August 1st, which is the feast of the Procession of the Venerable Cross until the Dormition on August 15th, we abstain from meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, wine, and oil….as usual during fasting periods.

There are some other little traditions to keep in mind as well, such as not eating apples, grapes, or some say fruit in general until these things are blessed on the feast of the Transfiguration, on August 6th.

Weekends are relaxed, and wine and oil are used (yay!).. Fish is allowed on the feast of the Transfiguration.

“The traditional rule for the Dormition Fast is a strict abstinence [abstinence from meat, fish, dairy products, eggs, alcohol, and foods cooked in oil] from August 1 to 14, with the usual mitigations (wine and oil) for Saturday and Sunday and the Feast of the Transfiguration (August 6). It is, therefore, observed as the Great Fast. The Ruthenian Metropolia has identified this period as a penitential season (Canon 880). The observance of this fast is voluntary.”

– from the Typicon arranged by Archpriest David M. Petras, S.E.O.D. for use in the Byzantine Ruthenian Metropolia of Pittsburgh.

https://www.byzimom.com/great-fast-meals#:~:text=%22The%20traditional%20rule%20for%20the,the%20Transfiguration%20(August%206).

 

Details

Start:
August 1
End:
September 14