Dormition Fast begins for Orthodox Christians

The Icon of the Dormition of the Most Holy 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 devoted Herself to fasting and prayer to the Lord.

The Orthodox Church has observed the Dormition Fast since the earliest centuries of Christianity. It is mentioned in a homily by Pope Leo the Great, dated to 450: “The Church’s fasts are distributed throughout the year so that each season has its own particular rule of abstinence. Thus, for spring there is the spring fast, Great Lent; for summer, the summer fast at Pentecost; for autumn, the autumn fast in the seventh month; and for winter, the winter fast.”

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

The Dormition Fast is considered equal in strictness to Great Lent. This means that from August 14 through 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. The Feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos falls on August 28. This year, it falls on a Friday, and fish may be eaten on that day. The end of the fast is therefore observed the following day.

However, the question of what may or may not be eaten during the Dormition Fast should, in many respects, be decided individually, depending on a person’s health, age, and level of preparation. The fasting diet for children should be considered separately.

The main purpose of fasting is for a person to struggle against their passions, sinful thoughts, and sinful deeds. Prayer and acts of mercy help believers in this struggle alongside fasting. During the Dormition Fast, as during any other fast, the faithful also try to attend church more often and participate in services and the Sacraments of Confession and the Eucharist.

Two major feasts fall during the Dormition Fast: the Procession of the Honorable Wood of the Life-Giving Cross (“Honey Spas”) on August 14, and the Transfiguration of the Lord (“Apple Spas”) on August 19.

The UOJ previously reported that the Dormition Fast is dedicated to the Cross of the Mother of God.

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