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Orthodox Fasting

Guidelines for fasting in the Orthodox Christian tradition

The Purpose of Fasting

Fasting in the Orthodox Church is not merely about abstaining from certain foods. It is a spiritual discipline that, combined with prayer, helps us to grow closer to God, gain self-control over our passions, and prepare ourselves to receive the grace of God more fully.

The Church's fasting rules are meant to be a guide for spiritual growth, not a burden. They should be undertaken with the guidance of your priest, who can help you apply the tradition in a way appropriate to your circumstances.

Fasting Levels

Strict Fast
No meat, dairy, fish, wine, or oil

Wine & Oil Allowed
No meat, dairy, or fish

Fish Allowed
No meat or dairy

Fast-Free
All foods permitted

Weekly Fasting

Orthodox Christians fast on Wednesdays and Fridays throughout the year, in remembrance of Christ's betrayal and crucifixion.

Day	Fasting Practice
Wednesday	Strict fast (no meat, dairy, fish, wine, oil)
Friday	Strict fast (no meat, dairy, fish, wine, oil)
Other days	No fasting restrictions (outside of fasting seasons)

Major Fasting Seasons

Great Lent (40 days before Pascha)

The most important fasting period of the year. Strict fasting throughout, with fish allowed on Annunciation and Palm Sunday. Wine and oil are typically allowed on weekends.

Apostles' Fast (variable length)

Begins the Monday after All Saints Sunday (the week after Pentecost) and continues until the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul on June 29. Fish, wine, and oil allowed on most days except Wednesday and Friday.

Dormition Fast (August 1-14)

Two weeks of strict fasting before the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos. Fish is allowed on the Transfiguration (August 6).

Nativity Fast (November 15 - December 24)

Forty days of preparation for Christmas. Fish, wine, and oil are generally allowed except on Wednesdays and Fridays. The final days before Christmas are stricter.

Single-Day Fasts

In addition to the fasting seasons, Orthodox Christians observe strict fasting on these individual days:

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross (September 14)
The Beheading of St. John the Baptist (August 29)
The Eve of Theophany (January 5)

Important: These guidelines represent the traditional practice. Those who are new to fasting, pregnant, nursing, ill, elderly, or have other health considerations should consult with their priest to determine an appropriate fasting rule. The goal is spiritual growth, not rigid legalism.

Practical Suggestions

For those new to Orthodox fasting:

Start gradually and increase your fasting practice over time
Focus on the spiritual aspects: increased prayer, almsgiving, and church attendance
Speak with Fr. Oliver about developing a fasting rule appropriate for your situation
Remember that fasting is not about earning favor with God, but about opening our hearts to receive His grace