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Fasting, Prayers, and Almsgiving

Simplify your Orthodox journey with our practical fasting and prayer guides, our easy recipes, and our convenient fasting calendar to help you stay on track!

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Fasting Posts

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Read more posts on Orthodox fasting →

Spiritual Life

  • St Ephraim
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    Small Compline: Orthodox Evening Prayers For Fasting
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    Psalm 50 Explained: An Orthodox Psalter on Repentance
  • Evening Prayers
    Orthodox Evening Prayers for Fasting Days

Discover more prayers for the fast →

Looking for Something Specific?

Looking for answers about fasting? Use our search to find guides, fasting rules, and helpful tips!

Looking for fast-friendly recipes? Click here to visit our dedicated recipe platform!

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Meet the Founders

Hello! We’re Thierry and Sandra — parents whose lives were truly changed by the powerful practice of Orthodox fasting. At OrthodoxFasting.com, we focus on fasting guides, prayers, and other essentials that have helped us grow in faith. We share what we’ve learned—and what’s actually worked for us—to support fellow believers on this holy path.

Join us on our journey through Orthodoxy →

Our Journey through Orthodoxy

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    King of Kings: A Movie All Kids Should Watch During Lent
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    How Fasting and Prayers Saved Me From Alcohol
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    Pure Organic Argan Oil: Olive Oil's Best Substitute
  • Orthodox Churches in Paris
    5 Orthodox Churches You Should See If You Are In Paris

Read more posts about our journey through Orthodoxy →

Main Orthodox Fasting FAQs

What are the rules for Orthodox fasting?

The Orthodox Church inherited its rules of fasting from the early Christians. On strict fast days we give up meat products, dairy products, eggs, olive oil, and alcoholic drinks and limit the number of meals. Your spiritual father can adapt the fasting discipline for poor health, heavy work, or small children.

What are the fasting dates for Orthodox?

Orthodox Christians move through several fasting periods each year: the six weeks of Great Lent (beginning Clean Monday and ending Holy Saturday), Holy Week, the Nativity Fast, the Dormition Fast, and the Fast of the Holy Apostles. We also fast every Wednesday and Friday, the Eve of Theophany, the Beheading of St. John, and other single days.

Click HERE for the complete calendar, including fast-free periods. 

What do Orthodox eat on fasting days?

Think plant power: beans, grains, vegetable oil, fruit, and nuts form the base. Shellfish and “meaning fish” like calamari are usually fine; actual fish appears only on certain feast days such as Palm Sunday or the Forefeast of the Annunciation.

Need ideas for full meals that still follow the strict fasting rule? Visit our fasting recipes site.

What foods are forbidden in Orthodox fasting?

During a total fast we avoid all animal products, dairy, eggs, olive oil, and wine. The restriction eases on certain days, but meat stays off the table until Pascha.

Why do Orthodox fast for 40 days?

Orthodox Christians keep two forty-day seasons—Great Lent and the Nativity Fast. We imitate Jesus Christ’s wilderness fast, the Old Testament vigils of Moses and Elijah, and the teaching of Saint Paul. Church Fathers explain that ascetic fasting deepens spiritual disciplines, invites the Holy Spirit, promotes spiritual growth, and prepares us for a worthy reception of Holy Communion.

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Thierry and Sandra

Meet the Founders

Hello! We’re Thierry and Sandra — parents whose lives were truly changed by the powerful practice of Orthodox fasting. At OrthodoxFasting.com, we focus on fasting guides, prayers, and other essentials that have helped us grow in faith. We share what we’ve learned—and what’s actually worked for us—to support fellow believers on this holy path.

Join us on our journey through Orthodoxy →


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Fast Friendly Recipes:

Need fresh ideas? Dive into our tested and perfected fast-friendly recipes everyone will love!

Orthodox Fasting Recipes - orthodoxfastingrecipes.com
Explore delicious Orthodox Christian fasting recipes that are easy, satisfying, and perfect for spiritual nourishment during fasting periods.
orthodoxfastingrecipes.com

By clicking the link, you will be redirected to our dedicated platform for fast-friendly recipes, where you'll find tested and perfected meal ideas for the whole family!


Upcoming Fast:

Upcoming Events

Jun 16
June 16 @ 8:00 am - June 29 @ 5:00 pm

The Fast of the Holy Apostles 2025

View Calendar

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