Orthodox Fasting Calendar 2025
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Orthodox Fasting Calendar 2025
Introduction
The Orthodox Church observes a rich and varied liturgical calendar that includes periods of fasting and abstinence. These fasts are not merely dietary restrictions but spiritual disciplines designed to purify the body and soul, deepen prayer, and foster a closer relationship with God.
The Orthodox fasting calendar is based on the liturgical year, which begins on September 1st. The year is divided into four fasting seasons:
- Great Lent (February 17th – April 11th)
- Apostles’ Fast (June 16th – June 28th)
- Dormition Fast (August 1st – August 14th)
- Nativity Fast (November 15th – December 24th)
In addition to these four major fasting seasons, there are also weekly fast days on Wednesdays and Fridays throughout the year.
Great Lent
Great Lent is the most important fasting period in the Orthodox calendar. It begins on Clean Monday and lasts for 40 days, excluding Sundays. During Great Lent, Orthodox Christians abstain from meat, dairy products, eggs, fish, and oil. The strictness of the fast is gradually relaxed during the last week, known as Holy Week.
Great Lent is a time of intense prayer, repentance, and spiritual renewal. It is a time to reflect on one’s sins and to seek forgiveness from God. It is also a time to focus on the suffering of Christ and to prepare for His resurrection.
Apostles’ Fast
The Apostles’ Fast commemorates the apostles’ missionary journeys and their spread of the Gospel. It begins on the Monday after All Saints’ Day and lasts for two weeks. During the Apostles’ Fast, Orthodox Christians abstain from meat, dairy products, and eggs.
Dormition Fast
The Dormition Fast commemorates the Dormition (falling asleep) of the Theotokos (Mother of God). It begins on August 1st and lasts for two weeks. During the Dormition Fast, Orthodox Christians abstain from meat, dairy products, and eggs.
Nativity Fast
The Nativity Fast commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. It begins on November 15th and lasts for 40 days, excluding Sundays. During the Nativity Fast, Orthodox Christians abstain from meat, dairy products, and eggs. The strictness of the fast is gradually relaxed during the last week, known as Christmastide.
Weekly Fast Days
In addition to the four major fasting seasons, there are also weekly fast days on Wednesdays and Fridays throughout the year. On these days, Orthodox Christians abstain from meat, dairy products, and eggs.
Exceptions
There are some exceptions to the fasting rules. For example, pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, the elderly, and the sick are not required to fast strictly. Also, fasting is not observed on certain feast days, such as Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost.
Spiritual Benefits of Fasting
Fasting is not simply a matter of abstaining from food. It is a spiritual discipline that has many benefits, including:
- Purification of the body and soul
- Deepening of prayer
- Fostering of a closer relationship with God
- Strengthening of the will
- Cultivating of humility
- Growth in spiritual maturity
Conclusion
The Orthodox fasting calendar is a rich and varied tradition that has been observed by Christians for centuries. It is a time to focus on prayer, repentance, and spiritual renewal. Through fasting, Orthodox Christians seek to purify their bodies and souls, deepen their relationship with God, and prepare for the coming of Christ.
PDF Version
You can download a PDF version of the Orthodox fasting calendar for 2025 here: [link to PDF file]
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