Everything you need to understand and practice fasting in Orthodox Christianity—from the meaning of each fasting season to step-by-step guides that answer your most common questions.
Fasting Seasons
Learn about all the fasting seasons in Orthodox Christianity and how to keep them with purpose and joy.
Read more about The Fasting Seasons →
Fasting Guides
Helpful answers, real-life tips, and spiritual support to make fasting more doable and meaningful.
Read more Fasting Guides →
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Frequently Asked Questions
Orthodox Christians observe several fasting periods throughout the year.
Some of the significant fasting periods include:
-Great Lent: A six-week period leading up to Holy Week and Pascha (Easter).
-Nativity Fast: The 40 days before Christmas.
-Dormition Fast: The first two weeks of August.
-Apostles' Fast: Leading up to the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul.
-Wednesdays and Fridays: Weekly fast days to commemorate the betrayal and crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
In addition to these, there are specific fast days associated with various feast days and saints, as well as fast-free periods like the week following Pascha.
During Orthodox fasts, the focus is on simple and humble meals.
The types of food commonly consumed include:
-Fruits and Vegetables: Fresh, frozen, or dried.
-Legumes: Lentils, beans, and chickpeas.
-Grains: Rice, quinoa, barley, and pasta (without egg or dairy).
-Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds.
-Plant-Based Oils: Vegetable oil and occasionally olive oil (depending on the fasting rules).
-Seafood: Shellfish and other non-finned sea creatures.
The goal is to avoid animal products and dairy products, and to limit the intake of olive oil and wine on strict fast days.