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This year, the Dormition Fast begins on August 14 and will last two weeks, until the Dormition of the Theotokos.
The Dormition Fast is considered an autumn fast, despite the fact that according to the calendar it falls on the last two weeks of summer. It is dedicated to the Mother of God: at the end of the fast, the Orthodox celebrate one of the main Christian holidays – the Dormition of the Virgin. In addition, another important day falls on the period of the Assumption Lent: the day of the Transfiguration of the Lord, which is celebrated on August 19.
This two-week fast is considered quite strict, just like Lent. During these 14 days, believers are instructed to give up animal products, fish and seafood: the list includes meat, poultry, eggs, and milk. And, of course, alcohol.
The most restrictive fast days are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. On these days, believers observe dry eating, that is, they eat only raw foods and bread. Vegetables, fruits, herbs, nuts and seeds are allowed. Salads can be eaten, but there should be no hint of oil in the dressing.
On Thursdays and Tuesdays, you can eat hot food without oil, and on weekends you can add that too. And one more indulgence – a fish day. The fish can be eaten on the day of the Transfiguration of the Lord, August 19.
Post schedule by day
August 14 and 21, Friday: dry eating. Vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds are allowed.
August 15 and 22, Saturday: hot food with butter – soups, cereals, salads.
August 16 and 23, Sunday: hot food with added vegetable oil.
August 17 and 24, Monday: dry eating. You can eat raw vegetables and fruits, honey.
August 18 and 25, Tuesday: hot food cooked without oil.
Wednesday 19 August: Day of the Transfiguration of the Lord… You can eat hot food, fish.
August 20 and 27, Thursday: hot food allowed without added oil.
Wednesday 26 August: dry food… Bread, fruits and vegetables are allowed.
By the way
If the Assumption of the Virgin falls on Wednesday or Friday (as in 2020, August 28 falls on Friday), then it is considered fast. But the fast is no longer so strict: it is permissible to serve fish dishes, hot food with vegetable oil, even wine.
During the Dormition Fast, one must observe not only physical fasting, but also spiritual fasting. According to Orthodox canons, during these 14 days, you cannot start celebrations, celebrate weddings, invite guests or visit, envy, scandal and swear. However, it would be nice to always observe the last three points of prohibitions.