Two weeks before the Dormition: about the meaning and traditions of the shortest summer fasttranslated

With the blessing of Metropolitan John of Belgorod and Stary Oskol, the Assumption Fast begins in the Orthodox tradition from August 14 to 27. It is the shortest of the year - it lasts only two weeks - and in severity it is second only to Lent. Unlike other multi-day abstinences, this fast is dedicated not to an event in the life of Christ, but to the Most Holy Theotokos and prepares believers for the feast of Her Dormition. Let's understand the calendar, traditions and the main spiritual meaning of this period. The dates of the Dormition Fast are immutable. In 2026, as always, it will begin on August 14 and will last until the Feast of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary. However, this year there is a nuance: the Dormition falls on Friday (August 28), and in the Orthodox tradition, Wednesday and Friday are fast days. Therefore, the breaking of the fast (the end of the fast) is postponed to the next day - August 29. Thus, in 2026, the fast will formally last one day longer than usual. Historically, the Assumption Fast emerged from the long summer fast about 1000 years ago. It is dedicated to the day of the earthly death of the Mother of God.

The word “dormition” means “sleep” - Christians see in this event not a tragedy, but a victory over death. According to Tradition, after burial the body...