June 8/May 26 – the beginning of Peter's Lent.translated

After All Saints' Day, Petrov or the Apostolic Fast begins, in memory of the two most revered of the 12 closest disciples of the Savior, the apostles Peter and Paul. The establishment of this fast - previously called the fast of Pentecost - dates back to the very first times of the Orthodox Church. It was especially established when in Constantinople and Rome St. equal to Constantine the Great (d. 337; commemorated May 21) erected churches in honor of Sts. the supreme apostles Peter and Paul. The consecration of the Constantinople temple took place on the day of remembrance of the apostles, June 29 (old style; i.e. July 12, new), and since then this day has become especially solemn in both the East and the West. This is the day the fast ends. Its initial border is mobile: it depends on the day of Easter celebration; therefore, the length of fasting varies from 6 weeks to a week and one day.

An inspired simple fisherman and a frantic speaker who had the “Mind of Christ,” Peter and Paul personified spiritual strength and intelligence—two much-needed preaching qualities. After all, no matter how the call to missionary work should resonate in us with Petrovsky’s parish, i.e. Apostolic fasting? The Lord sent apostles into the world to teach...