I know that we are in the midst of celebrations….but I thought this might be useful.
Fasting
During the Orthodox calendar year there are fasting periods observed that provide an opportunity for spiritual growth and cleansing.
Many traditional Greek recipes can be converted to fasting meals and are equally delicious without meat and poultry. It makes for creative cooking and the use of a wonderful assortment of fresh seasonal vegetables.
Weekly Fast
Traditionally fasting occurs on a weekly basis on every Wednesday (betrayal by Judas) and Friday (the commemoration of the suffering of Christ on the Cross). The following foods are avoided:
- Meat and meat products
- Fish with backbones, although shellfish and calamari are permitted.
- Dairy products
- Eggs
- Olive oil
- Wine and alcohol
Easter Fast (movable date)
The 40-day Lenten Fast prior to Easter Sunday is observed.
During Holy Week, usually the Thursday evening meal is the last full meal taken until Easter. Wine and oil are permitted at this meal.
Good Friday is the strictest fasting day of the Orthodox calendar, and it is customary to not partake of food on this day. Even those who have not observed the 40-day Lent fast usually respectfully observe this day of fasting.
After the Easter Saturday morning church service, when communion is taken, it is permissible to have a little wine, fruit juice and fruit as part of a very simple meal. This provides a little sustenance before breaking the fast completely at the Saturday night Resurrection Service.
Dormition of the Theotokos Fast
The falling asleep of Mary, Mother of God
1-14 August
The feast day for this important day takes place on the 15th August, and in Greece it also marks a national holiday.
The fast period takes place from 1- 14 August, and this two-week fast is similar to the fast of Great Lent.
From Monday through to Friday a strict fast is observed, however both wine and olive oil are permitted on Saturdays and Sundays, and fish may be eaten on the 6th August for the Transfiguration of Christ.
Nativity Fast
15 November to 24 December
The Feast Day is on Christmas Day.
Throughout the Nativity Fast strict fasting is observed on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
On Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday oil, wine and fish are permitted, until 13th December when fish is no longer permitted.
Individual Fasting Days
The following are important fasting dates in the Greek Orthodox Calendar, however wine and olive oil are permitted.
January 5th – Eve of the Theophany (Epiphany),
August 29th – the Beheading of St. John the Baptist
September 14th – the Elevation of the Holy Cross
I hope this is helpful!
GL x