A period of spiritual preparation: the Fast of the Dormition of the Mother of God begins in the old styletranslated

Orthodox believers who follow the unrevised calendar begin the Assumption Fast on Friday, a two-week period that will end at the end of August.

It is one of the harshest fasts of the year, like that of Easter. During this period, meat, eggs and dairy products are not consumed, only fish on August 19, the feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, when there is a release.

Along with dietary restrictions, the period is intended to increase prayer and cultivate a more temperate life. Reading the Holy Scriptures, participating in Church services and helping those in need are part of the spiritual preparation for welcoming the holiday.

Where the unrevised calendar is kept In the Romanian space, the unrevised calendar is followed especially by communities from the Republic of Moldova, northern Bucovina and Bugeac, as well as Romanians from the Timocului Valley, Serbia. The same order is found in some Ukrainian communities in our country, in the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and in the Holy Mount Athos.

In some Romanian communities outside the borders, the period also preserves certain traditional forms of prayer.