The Dormition Fast begins on August 1st

The Dormition Fast begins on August 1st and concludes on 14 August, the eve of the Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God. During these two weeks, the faithful are called to fasting, prayer and spiritual purification.

Established by the Church in honour of the Mother of God, the Dormition Fast encourages believers to follow her example of prayer, humility and purity. During this period, the daily reading of the Paraklesis (Supplicatory Canon) to the Mother of God, together with other prayers dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is especially encouraged.

In terms of dietary discipline, a strict fast is followed on most of the days (no meat, dairy, oil, or wine), with the exceptions of fish on the Feast of the Transfiguration (August 6). Oil and Wine are allowed on Saturdays and Sundays.

During the first centuries of Christianity, the Dormition Fast was not observed uniformly throughout the Church.

To establish a common practice, the Council of Constantinople in 1166, presided over by Patriarch Luke Chrysoberges, decreed that the fast should begin on the first day of August and end on the morning of 15 August, when we begin the celebration of the Dormition of the Mother of…