Orthodox Christians Begin the Dormition Fast

Icon of the Dormition of the Theotokos. Photo: blagovist.info

On August 14, Orthodox Christians began the Dormition Fast, which will last until August 27. The fast is dedicated to the Most Holy Theotokos, and its final day is the eve of the feast of Her Dormition, celebrated on August 28.

According to Church Tradition, before Her dormition (peaceful repose) the Mother of God fasted intensely and prayed to the Lord.

The Church has known the Dormition Fast since the very first centuries of Christianity. We find mention of it in a homily by Leo the Great, dated to the year 450: "The fasts of the Church are distributed throughout the year so that for each season its own special law of abstinence is established. Thus, for spring — the spring fast of Great Lent, for summer — the summer fast at Pentecost, for autumn — the autumn fast in the seventh month, for winter — the winter fast."

The Dormition Fast was definitively established at the Council of Constantinople in 1166.

In its strictness, the Dormition Fast is equated with Great Lent. This means that from August 14 to August 27, Orthodox Christians abstain from meat and dairy products, as well as eggs. On August 19, the feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, fish is permitted. On August 28, the feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos — this year it falls on a Friday — fish may also be consumed. The breaking of the fast is moved to the following day.

However, in many respects the question of what may and may not be eaten during the Dormition Fast must be decided individually — depending on the state of health, age, and preparedness of each particular person. The fasting diet of children deserves separate consideration.

The primary goals of fasting are a person's struggle against their passions, sinful thoughts, and deeds, in which prayer and works of mercy assist alongside fasting. During the Dormition Fast, as indeed during any other fast, believers also strive to attend church more frequently and to participate in services and the sacraments of Repentance and the Eucharist.

Two great feasts fall within the Dormition Fast — the Origin (Procession) of the Venerable Trees of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord ("Honey Saviour") on August 14, and the Transfiguration of the Lord ("Apple Saviour") on August 19.

The Union of Orthodox Journalists previously reported that the Dormition Fast is dedicated to the Cross of the Mother of God.

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