Orthodox church calendar. Calendar of fasts and meals When the spring fast begins in the year

Lent in 2017 begins on February 27 and lasts until April 15. Nutrition calendar by day and what not to eat on Holy Week, RIA VladNews reports with reference to Informing.

Lent begins immediately after Maslenitsa. In 2017, the last "pancake" day is February 26, and already on the 27th, all Orthodox are moving to the most strict fast of the year - Great.

The forty-day period of Great Lent is associated with the trials of Christ in the desert, where he was tempted by the devil for 40 days and did not eat anything. It was with this fast that Christ began his great work of saving human souls. The purpose of fasting is spiritual cleansing.

With special strictness, fasting is observed in the first and Passion Week.

On Clean Monday, complete abstinence from food is customary. The rest of the time: Monday, Wednesday, Friday - dry eating (water, bread, fruits, vegetables, compotes); Tuesday, Thursday - hot food without oil; Saturday, Sunday - food with vegetable oil.

Fish is allowed on the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (April 7) and on Palm Sunday (April 9 in 2017). On Lazarus Saturday (April 8, 2017), caviar is allowed. On Good Friday (April 14, 2017), food cannot be eaten until the shroud is taken out.

So, how should you eat during Lent?

Lent 2017 nutrition: first week

Monday, February 27 - total abstinence from food.
Tuesday, February 28 - dry eating (consumption of bread, raw vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, honey, nuts).
Wednesday, March 1 - dry eating (consumption of bread, raw vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, honey, nuts).
Thursday, March 2 - dry eating (consumption of bread, raw vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, honey, nuts).
Friday, March 3 - dry eating (consumption of bread, raw vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, honey, nuts).
Saturday, March 4 - boiled food with the addition of vegetable oil, wine.
Sunday, March 5 - boiled food with the addition of vegetable oil, you can have a little wine.

Lent 2017 nutrition: second week

Monday, March 6 - dry eating (consumption of bread, raw vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, honey, nuts).
Tuesday, March 7 - Boiled vegetable food without oil.
Wednesday, March 8 - dry eating (consumption of bread, raw vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, honey, nuts).
Thursday, March 9 - Boiled vegetable food without oil.
Friday, March 10 - dry eating (consumption of bread, raw vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, honey, nuts).
Saturday, March 11 - you can eat boiled food with the addition of vegetable oil, wine.
Sunday, March 12 - boiled food with the addition of vegetable oil, wine.

Lent 2017 nutrition: third week

Monday, March 13 - dry eating (consumption of bread, raw vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, honey, nuts).
Tuesday, March 14 - Boiled vegetable food without oil.
Wednesday, March 15 - dry eating, you can eat bread, raw vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, honey, nuts.
Thursday, March 16 - Boiled vegetable food, but without oil.
Friday, March 17 - dry eating (consumption of bread, raw vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, honey, nuts).
Saturday, March 18 - boiled food with the addition of vegetable oil, wine.
Sunday, March 19 - boiled food with the addition of vegetable oil, wine.

Lent 2017 nutrition: fourth week

Monday, March 20 - dry eating (consumption of bread, raw vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, honey, nuts).
Tuesday, March 21 - Boiled vegetable food without oil.
Wednesday, March 22 - dry eating (consumption of bread, raw vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, honey, nuts).
Thursday, March 23 - Boiled vegetable food without oil, but fish is allowed.
Friday, March 24 - dry eating (consumption of bread, raw vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, honey, nuts).
Saturday, March 25 - boiled food with the addition of vegetable oil, wine.
Sunday, March 26 - boiled food with the addition of vegetable oil, wine is not prohibited.

Lent 2017 nutrition: fifth week

Monday, March 27 - dry eating (consumption of bread, raw vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, honey, nuts).
Tuesday, March 28 - Boiled vegetable food without oil.
Wednesday, March 29 - dry eating (consumption of bread, raw vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, honey, nuts).
Thursday, March 30 - Boiled vegetable food without oil.
Friday, March 31 - dry eating (consumption of bread, raw vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, honey, nuts).
Saturday, April 1 - boiled food with the addition of vegetable oil, wine.
Sunday, April 2 - boiled food with the addition of vegetable oil, wine.

Lent 2017 nutrition: sixth week

Monday, April 3 - dry eating (consumption of bread, raw vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, honey, nuts).
Tuesday, April 4 - Boiled vegetable food without oil.
Wednesday, April 5 - dry eating (consumption of bread, raw vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, honey, nuts).
Thursday, April 6 - Boiled vegetable food without oil.
Friday, April 7 - dry eating (consumption of bread, raw vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, honey, nuts). Fish are allowed.
Saturday, April 8 - boiled food with the addition of vegetable oil, wine, caviar. Fish caviar is allowed.
Sunday, April 9th - Eating fish is allowed.
Great Lent 2017 Nutrition: Seventh Week

Holy Week is a strict week of Great Lent 2017, each day has its own name. It should also be remembered that in Holy Week, fasting is intensified and is really truly strict.

Monday, April 10 (Good Monday) - dry eating (consumption of bread, raw vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, honey, nuts).
Tuesday, April 11 (Good Tuesday) - dry eating (consumption of bread, raw vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, honey, nuts).
Wednesday, April 12 (Holy Wednesday) - dry eating (consumption of bread, raw vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, honey, nuts).
Thursday, April 13 (Good Thursday) - dry eating (consumption of bread, raw vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, honey, nuts).
Friday, April 14 (Good Friday) - complete abstinence from food.
Saturday, April 15 (Holy Saturday) - dry eating (consumption of bread, raw vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, honey, nuts).
Sunday, April 16 (Resurrection of Christ) - Easter, the end of Great Lent.

The Assumption Fast is the culmination of summer, two weeks of spiritual and physical preparation for one of the most beloved holidays in the Russian people - the Assumption of the Most Holy Theotokos.

It is known that the Virgin Mary observed strict moderation in food all her earthly life, and during the three days of her Assumption she stopped eating food and only drank water. Thus, by imposing on themselves the restrictions of the Dormition Fast, believers imitate the Theotokos Herself.

When does Dormition Fast begin in 2017?

All multi-day Orthodox fasts have both common features and their own characteristics. Assumption fasting is comparable in severity to Great Lent. Just like Petrov Lent, it falls in the summer. And the similarity with the Advent is that its beginning and end have fixed calendar dates.

Therefore, to the question:When does Dormition fast begin in 2017? the answer is easy - August 1 (14), that is, the same as in all previous years.

Two holidays fall on the Assumption Fast, known primarily by their “folk” names, but also having church significance Honey Savior (in the church calendar - the Origin (wearing) of the Honest Trees of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord) and Apple Savior (Transfiguration of the Lord). The first of them is connected with the ancient custom to bring the Holy Tree of the Cross to the streets and roads to ward off illnesses, which happened a lot in August. According to folk tradition, on this day, honey is brought to churches for consecration. This day is celebrated on August 1 (14), that is, from the feast of the Origin of the Honest Trees of the Cross of the Lord, and the Dormition Fast begins.

On Apple Savior, a new harvest of apples is traditionally consecrated, but for the Church this day is important as a big holiday, one of the Twelve - the Transfiguration of the Lord.It was installed in memory of the event on Mount Tabor, where the Savior, together with the three closest disciples Peter, Jacob and Jon, went to pray. And there, praying, He, according to the word of the Evangelist Matthew,He “transformed before them, and His face shone like the sun, His clothes became whitelike light." At the same time, the Old Testament prophets Moses and Elijah appeared and talked with Him. The Feast of the Transfiguration precedes one day of prefeast - August 5 (18), and it will be followed by seven days of afterfeast - from August 7 (20) to 13 (26). In honor of the Transfiguration of the Lord, as one of the great holidays, believers are allowed to eat fish at a meal.

What can you eat in Assumption Fast?

Assumption Lent meals exclude meat and meat products, fish, seafood, eggs and dairy products. Relaxation is allowed on the feast of the Transfiguration, when you can eat fish. But in many ways the questionwhat can you eat in the Dormition fast, and whatit is impossible, it must be decided individually - depending on the state of health, age, preparedness of a particular person. Separately, it is worth considering the lean diet of children - for them, refusing food containing calcium and other substances important for a growing body can lead to undesirable health consequences. All these questions are best discussed with your confessor.

Thanks to the abundance of vegetables, mushrooms, fruits, garden greens that August gives us, the food of the Assumption Lent is varied, nutritious and rich in vitamins. It is not for nothing that the Dormition fast has long been called a gourmet among the people.

Nevertheless, it should be borne in mind that in the matter of abstinence from one food or another, Orthodox believers are guided by the monastic charter, and this is not possible for everyone. Fasting is by no means a diet, and if fasting to the fullest extent (for example, on days of dry eating) irritates others, then it is obvious that such an “assault on Heaven” achieves the opposite goal.

Here it is appropriate to recall the admonition of John Chrysostom: “The one who believes that fasting is only abstaining from food is mistaken. True fasting is the removal from evil, curbing the tongue, putting off anger, taming lusts, ending slander, lies, and perjury.

It is much easier to endure the restrictions of fasting if you observe moderation the day before, without arranging a plentiful meal “finally”.

As already mentioned, in terms of abstinence in food, the Dormition Fast is similar to Great Lent. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday, it provides for dry eating - eating uncooked food, while tea, coffee, compotes, kissels, decoctions are replaced with water and juices. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, hot meals are allowed, but without vegetable oil. On Saturdays and Sundays - hot food with vegetable oil.

Dormition fasting schedule, meals by day:

Dry eating - uncooked plant foods are eaten: raw fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, sprouted grains, nuts, honey, bread. From drinking: water, juices.

Hot food without oil - boiled vegetable food without oil is allowed: soups, cereals, boiled and baked potatoes, stewed and baked vegetables, mushrooms. From drinks: tea, coffee, compotes, jelly, decoctions.

Dry eating - uncooked plant foods are eaten: raw fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, sprouted grains, nuts, honey, bread. From drinking: water, juices.

Along with hot food, fish and seafood are allowed, and some wine is also allowed.

Hot food with oil - boiled vegetable food is eaten, including with the addition of oil: soups, cereals, potatoes (fried, boiled, baked), stewed and baked vegetables, mushrooms, bread. Allowed drinks: tea, coffee, compotes, kissels, decoctions, some wine is allowed.

Dry eating - uncooked plant foods are eaten: raw fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, sprouted grains, nuts, honey, bread. From drinking: water, juices.

Hot food with oil - you can eat boiled vegetable food, including with the addition of oil: soups, cereals, potatoes (fried, boiled, baked), stewed and baked vegetables, mushrooms, bread. Allowed drinks: tea, coffee, compotes, kissels, decoctions, some wine is allowed.

Observing Dormition fast, food by dayin accordance with the charter, it would be wrong to end it with an excessive breaking of the fast according to the principle “now you can!”.

When does the Dormition Fast end in 2017?

The Feast of the Assumption is always celebrated on August 15 (28) - it ends the Assumption Fast. It is one of the fixed dates of the church calendar, not tied to the Easter holiday. Therefore, the end date of the Dormition Fast does not change in different years.

Assumption in 2017 falls on Monday, there is no fast on this day.

Many adhere to the rules of nutrition, refuse excesses. The meaning of abstinence lies in the purification of the spirit, the development of spiritual life, the purification of thoughts, deliverance from everyday fuss, familiarization with the spiritual example of Christ.

The Essence of Cleansing

Great Lent 2020 recalls the forty-day cleansing of Christ the Savior in the wilderness, it recalls the last days of his life, suffering, death, and burial. He gave a clear example that the devil can be driven out by prayers and observance of Great Lent, in particular, in 2020.

For all Orthodox, the beginning of Lent in 2020 is March 11. It lasts until April 27th. Heralds the Easter holiday, for which they prepare their soul and body.

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Compliance service as note

Purification has four periods and lasts 48 days. The following calendar periods of Lent 2020 are distinguished.

Lasts forty days. It's called the Forty Day. Characterized by strict abstinence. The main goal is cleansing from sins, focusing on the spiritual, on prayers, chanting. All undergo abstinence, which humbles the flesh.
Starts on the sixth Saturday. It is called Lazarus Saturday. Time before Palm Sunday. Aimed at remembering the miracle of Christ on the resurrection of Lazarev. Then there is Palm Saturday. In the evening, the Annunciation is held, consecration with holy water.
Begins on the sixth Sunday. Palm Sunday is the entry of the Lord into Jerusalem. Ceremonies are performed with willow. The holiday indicates the revival of nature, spirit. There are many traditions associated with this holiday.
Passion Week.

What's happening in the last week?

Holy Week is the last period. The days are called Great: Great Monday, Great Thursday.

Monday is the preparation of housing for the holiday.
On Tuesday, laundry is washed and ironed.
The next day completes the chores. The house must be completely clean, the garbage is thrown out. Eggs for Easter eggs must be prepared, materials for painting them are prepared.
Thursday is the maximum number of rituals, the corresponding signs and traditions. Easter cakes are being baked. Before baking, be sure to pray passionately.
Good Friday is known for not eating. Singing, listening to music, housework is prohibited. Violation of the prohibition is considered a major sin.
Holy Saturday is one of the busiest days. hostesses prepare dinner, prepare pysanky.

As already mentioned, fasting is spiritual cleansing and preparation for Easter. Spiritual preparation consists of prayers, reading spiritual books, research, atonement for sins, sinful thoughts. All actions are directed at the thoughts of God. The bodily preparation is the abstinence from non-lean food.

Since the days of abstinence are a time of great repentance, the following is forbidden.

Refusal of established chants on weekdays. Each hymn is filled with joy and triumph.
It is forbidden to celebrate the days of saints on weekdays. All holidays are transferred to weekends.
Celebrations on the occasion of marriage, weddings, celebrations of birthdays are prohibited.
Bodily intimacy and foul language are considered sin.

Compliance with the rules of nutrition

Using the calendar helps to follow the rules of nutrition: it explains on which days food is allowed to be consumed. If you have not fasted before, then you should fast very carefully. All stages are introduced gradually. Sudden rejection of habitual foods can lead to health complications. Animal protein should be completely replaced with vegetable protein. Main products: legumes, nuts, dried fruits and mushrooms.

Children, people suffering from chronic diseases, as well as diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, pregnant women and breastfeeding are exempted from strict fasting. We offer basic recommendations on what is allowed and not recommended on abstinence days.

The following foods are prohibited:

All meals that include animal protein.
Dairy products, even powdered milk.
Egg powder, a food that includes eggs.
Fish, fish products (exceptions are days when consumption is allowed).
Oil of vegetable origin, except for the days when you can use it.
Alcohol, sweets, carbonated drinks. The exception is some days, as well as red wine.

Wine, like vegetable oil, is not included in the general rules. They can be turned on on weekends. It is impossible only during Holy Saturday. Vegetable oil is consumed during the days of remembrance of the Great Saints. Fish can be eaten on the Annunciation of the Holy Mother of God. Fish caviar is introduced into the diet on the sixth Saturday.

List of products included in the allowed menu for Lent 2020.

Homemade sourdough products and pickles.
Pickled vegetables and fruits.
Jam.
Juices and compotes.
Fresh fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, legumes, seeds.
Greens in any form: fresh or dried.
Spices are allowed.
Mayonnaise, yogurt, milk and cheese, in which the main ingredient is soy.
Any bakery products and bread. Exception: muffin, white flour products.
Cereals.

Strict days are considered to be the first four weeks, Holy Week. You can not eat on the first day of Lent 2020, as well as during Good Friday. The diet of the first Friday of Lent: boiled wheat sweetened with sugar, honey. Hot food is consumed on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Separate calendars of Great Lent for 2020 nutrition by day are issued. Also learn about and download our free .

Important calendar days

An important first day of Lent. The people have the name clean: people actively use water procedures, often change linen. Formerly it was customary to abstain from food. On Clean Monday, it is customary to rinse your mouth to wash away the traces of food eaten during Shrovetide.

On Friday of the first week, it is customary to eat consecrated wheat porridge sweetened with honey.

On Saturday, it is customary to mourn at the end of Maslenitsa. In the morning, lean pancakes are prepared in vegetable oil.

The first Sunday is the day of the Triumph of Orthodoxy. The veneration of the icons of saints is sung, victories over the opponents of Orthodoxy are remembered.

Forgiveness Sunday

The last Sunday before Lent is Forgiveness. That's when the Maslenitsa week ends. Before starting the fast, you must finally prepare for this test. It is customary for Orthodox Christians to ask each other for forgiveness for their sins and atrocities. Forgiveness promotes concentration on the spiritual realm of life. The man is preparing for the main confession. In addition, it is customary to commemorate the dead, go to the cemetery, clean the graves.

When holding a festive dinner, leftover food is burned. Thus, with a pure soul and heart, everyone begins to observe Great Lent in 2020. Traditionally, the rite of forgiveness is performed.

Great Lent in 2017 begins on February 27th. Great Lent immediately follows Forgiveness Sunday, which ends Pancake Week. Nutrition calendar by day, the menu of Great Lent, as well as detailed information about when you can eat fish, caviar, drink wine, and on which days dry eating is recommended, in our review.

Immediately after Forgiveness Sunday, on Monday, February 27, Great Lent begins and ends on April 15.

Great Lent, which all believers observe, is not a diet or an opportunity to lose weight. Great Lent, first of all, is an opportunity for repentance, spiritual purification and self-knowledge.

Recall that doctors do not recommend observing Great Lent for those who have health problems. By the way, the church also exempts seriously ill people, young children, as well as pregnant and lactating women from observing strict fasting.

In Fasting, all meat, dairy (including butter of animal origin) and eggs are completely excluded from the diet.

Fish is allowed on some days.

Lent 2017: food calendar by day of the week

February 27 (Monday) recommended complete abstinence from food, while you can drink water.
On February 28 (Tuesday), dry eating is recommended (bread, raw vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, honey, nuts). You need to drink water, preferably warm.
March 1 (Wednesday) food is the same as the previous day.
March 2 (Thursday) the food is the same as the previous day.
March 3 (Friday) the food is the same as the previous day.
March 4 (Saturday) boiled lean food (vegetables, fruits, cereals on the water, etc.) with the addition of vegetable oil, you can drink a little wine.
March 5 (Sunday) the food is the same as the previous day.

On March 6 (Monday), dry eating is recommended (bread, raw vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, honey, nuts). You need to drink water, preferably warm.
March 7 (Tuesday) boiled vegetable (lean) food without oil, porridge on the water.
On March 8 (Wednesday), dry eating is recommended (bread, raw vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, honey, nuts). You need to drink water, preferably warm.
March 9 (Thursday) boiled vegetable (lean) food without oil, porridge on the water.
On March 10 (Friday), dry eating is recommended (bread, raw vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, honey, nuts). You need to drink water, preferably warm.
March 11 (Saturday) boiled lean food (vegetables, fruits, cereals on the water, etc.) with the addition of vegetable oil, you can drink a little wine.
March 12 (Sunday) boiled lean food (vegetables, fruits, cereals on the water, etc.) with the addition of vegetable oil, you can drink some wine.

On March 13 (Monday), dry eating is recommended (bread, raw vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, honey, nuts). You need to drink water, preferably warm.
March 14 (Tuesday) boiled vegetable (lean) food without oil, porridge on the water.
On March 15 (Wednesday), dry eating is recommended (bread, raw vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, honey, nuts). You need to drink water, preferably warm.
March 16 (Thursday) boiled vegetable (lean) food without oil, porridge on the water.
On March 17 (Friday), dry eating is recommended (bread, raw vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, honey, nuts). You need to drink water, preferably warm.
March 18 (Saturday) boiled lean food (vegetables, fruits, cereals on the water, etc.) with the addition of vegetable oil, you can drink a little wine.
March 19 (Sunday) boiled lean food (vegetables, fruits, cereals on the water, etc.) with the addition of vegetable oil, you can drink a little wine.

On March 20 (Monday), dry eating is recommended (bread, raw vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, honey, nuts). You need to drink water, preferably warm.
March 21 (Tuesday) boiled vegetable (lean) food without oil, porridge on the water.
On March 22 (Wednesday), dry eating is recommended (bread, raw vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, honey, nuts). You need to drink water, preferably warm.
March 23 (Thursday) boiled vegetable (lean) food without oil, porridge on the water.
On March 24 (Friday), dry eating is recommended (bread, raw vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, honey, nuts). You need to drink water, preferably warm.
March 25 (Saturday) boiled lean food (vegetables, fruits, cereals on the water, etc.) with the addition of vegetable oil, you can drink a little wine.
March 26 (Sunday) boiled lean food (vegetables, fruits, cereals on the water, etc.) with the addition of vegetable oil, you can drink a little wine.

On March 27 (Monday), dry eating is recommended (bread, raw vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, honey, nuts). You need to drink water, preferably warm.
March 28 (Tuesday) boiled vegetable (lean) food without oil, porridge on the water.
On March 29 (Wednesday), dry eating is recommended (bread, raw vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, honey, nuts). You need to drink water, preferably warm.
March 30 (Thursday) boiled vegetable (lean) food without oil, porridge on the water.
On March 31 (Friday), dry eating is recommended (bread, raw vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, honey, nuts). You need to drink water, preferably warm.
April 1 (Saturday) boiled lean food (vegetables, fruits, cereals on the water, etc.) with the addition of vegetable oil, you can drink a little wine.
April 2 (Sunday) boiled lean food (vegetables, fruits, cereals on the water, etc.) with the addition of vegetable oil, you can drink a little wine.

On April 3 (Monday), dry eating is recommended (bread, raw vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, honey, nuts). You need to drink water, preferably warm.
April 4 (Tuesday) boiled vegetable (lean) food without oil, porridge on the water.
On April 5 (Wednesday), dry eating is recommended (bread, raw vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, honey, nuts). You need to drink water, preferably warm.
April 6 (Thursday) boiled vegetable (lean) food without oil, porridge on the water.
On April 7 (Friday), dry eating is recommended (bread, raw vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, honey, nuts). You need to drink water, preferably warm.
April 8 (Saturday) Lazarus Saturday On this day, the strictness of fasting is weakened, believers can eat boiled food with the addition of vegetable oil, drink wine, on this day it is customary to pamper yourself with caviar.
April 9 (Sunday) Palm Sunday on this day you can eat everything except meat and dairy, it is allowed and even customary to eat fish.

Great Lent 2017: the seventh week of Holy Week is the strictest, even stricter than the first week.

On April 10 (Monday), dry eating is recommended (bread, raw vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, honey, nuts). You need to drink water, preferably warm.
April 11 (Tuesday) Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin on this day you can eat fish.
On April 12 (Wednesday), dry eating is recommended (bread, raw vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, honey, nuts). You need to drink water, preferably warm.
On April 13 (Thursday), dry eating is recommended (bread, raw vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, honey, nuts). You need to drink water, preferably warm.
April 14 (Friday) Good Friday - Strict fasting is recommended complete abstinence from food. You need to drink warm water.
On April 15 (Saturday), dry eating is recommended (bread, raw vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, honey, nuts). You need to drink water, preferably warm.
April 16 (Sunday) Easter (Bright Sunday of Christ) starting at midnight, the breaking of the fast begins, after which you can eat everything. It was then that Easter cakes, Easter cottage cheese and Easter eggs appeared on the table.

The Church does not put forward clear requirements according to which every believer must observe Orthodox fasts in 2017. Cleansing occurs at the request of a person, according to his spiritual mood. You should also not neglect the advice of a doctor. Church rules allow for relaxations in fasting if there are appropriate medical indications for this. The gentle requirements for fasting apply to pregnant women, nursing mothers and children. Before the beginning of the fast, you should turn to the priest for a blessing.

The church calendar allocates 40 days for a special period. These days, believing Christians are rethinking life and realizing their own sins and shortcomings. Strict fasting is aimed at cleansing the soul and body of a person and ends with the brightest and most joyful holiday - Easter.

For an Orthodox Christian, Great Lent does not begin abruptly, on a specific date. Three weeks before the start of restrictions are preparatory. The first week, any meat dishes are consumed, but low-fat ones are preferred. In the second preparatory week, meat days alternate with fish days. In the third week they do not eat meat, fish, eggs, sour cream, cheese and any other dairy products are allowed. Thus, the human body gradually gets used to the new diet and does not get stressed.

The first and last weeks in the calendar are very strict.

For all 40 days, the use of animal products is prohibited: meat, lard, eggs, dairy products, sausages, etc. Three days a week, only cold food cooked without oil is allowed. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, hot meals without oil are allowed. On weekends and any days that fall on holidays, it is allowed to cook hot dishes with fish and butter, and wine is allowed in small quantities. In 2017, fish is allowed on April 7, 8, 9 and 14.

Petrov post (June 27 - July 11)

Also known as the Apostolic Lent, it begins 7 days after Trinity. Not a strict period in the church calendar, dedicated to the holy apostles Peter and Paul. On summer days, there are a lot of fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs, changes in the diet are easily tolerated. Allowed dishes in the Orthodox calendar:

Monday. Hot (boiled, fried, stewed, baked) dishes prepared without oil.
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. hot dishes boiled, fried, stewed, baked, fish in any form, mushrooms, vegetable oil is allowed.
Wednesday, Friday: bread, any plant food (not cooked), non-hot drinks.

Dormition Fast (August 14 - 27)

It lasts two weeks and is dedicated to the Great Feast - the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Markedly different from any tribulation period. The Assumption Fast is a two-week period of rebirth, reflection on what needs to be shaken off and left in the past in order to be reborn. Fasting imposes strict restrictions:

Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Dry period. It is forbidden to eat any food that has undergone heat treatment. This applies not only to food, but also to drinks. Tea, coffee, compotes, etc. are excluded. Fresh, dried (dried apricots, raisins, etc.), soaked (apples, cabbage, etc.) vegetables and fruits, bread are allowed.
Tuesday and Thursday. Hot food cooked without oil, bread, hot drinks are allowed.
Saturday and Sunday. The calendar defines these days as relaxation. Allowed hot food with the addition of butter, bread, hot drinks and wine.

Advent (November 28 - January 6)

Time of spiritual and bodily cleansing, preparation for the holiday. The main purpose of the restrictions is internal improvement, removal from addictions, entertainment events and the use of modest food. The requirements are the same as in the Apostolic Lent, not a strict period. Any meat and dairy dishes, eggs, sausages, etc. are completely removed from the diet. On weekends and Great holidays, fish, vegetable oil and wine are allowed.

Menu for Orthodox Lent

The fasting calendar defines long periods for which significant food restrictions are imposed. It seems that by eliminating animal products, there is nothing more tasty left. However, there are many recipes and dishes allowed in fasting.

On some days, when hot cooked food and butter are allowed, you can especially diversify the menu.

Legumes. They are a source of protein for the body. Peas, lentils, and beans are frequent guests on the tables of believers who keep fast. You can cook cereals, thick soups with vegetables. You should pay attention to the recipes for vegetarian pea sausage, which is prepared without meat, but does not differ in taste from the store-bought “meat”.
Mushrooms. Definitely recommended for inclusion in the diet. A good substitute for meat and fish. On days when the calendar allows hot food, soups, mushroom caviar, fried mushrooms with onions, stewed vegetables or baked porridge with mushrooms are prepared. When only cold food is allowed, salted mushrooms are used if they have not been boiled beforehand.
Cereals. Basically, each family includes 2-3 cereals in their diet. It is worth taking a closer look at the shelves in the store, there are many healthy and tasty cereals that diversify the daily Lenten menu. The most common cereals: buckwheat, rice, millet, semolina, wheat, barley, corn, oatmeal, etc.
Vegetables and fruits. In raw and dried form are allowed on any day. There are also no restrictions on salted vegetables and fruits: sauerkraut, pickled apples, pickled barrel cucumbers and tomatoes, marinated vegetables “in Korean” if they are cooked without oil. On other days, plant foods are the basis for more complex meals. Vegetable stews, mashed potatoes, caviar, etc. are prepared for fasting.
Fish. As a rule, the calendar allows fish dishes on the same days as vegetable oil, and this opens up a lot of room for culinary ideas. Fried fish, baked in a sleeve, in foil or pots, stewed with vegetables, boiled or steamed, fish soups and pies.
Bread. Black (rye) bread is allowed on any day. Other bakery products, especially rich pastries, are prohibited. You can cook bread or lean pies with cabbage, mushrooms, beans, apples, etc. yourself.
Sweets. In principle, sweets and cakes, even vegetarian ones, are not welcome. You can use honey and natural caramel.

Marriage during Lent

The Orthodox calendar has some requirements for weddings. The bride and groom are often guided by beautiful numbers. In 2017, astrologers recommend choosing a wedding date that includes ones, twos, and sevens. Church rules determine the best time for a wedding from January 20 to March 7, May 8. You can’t get married during fasting, with the exception of the days: April 7 and 9, July 7 and August 19. Also, the wedding is not held before the Great Church holidays.

It is better to discuss the chosen dates for the wedding with the priest in advance.

Traditionally and according to the church, autumn is considered a favorable time for weddings. When the calendar shows the end of the harvest, you can think about arranging a personal life and a fun wedding.

Folk signs against weddings in January, March and October. Couples who marry during this period face great trials. An April wedding will lead to a married life full of loud and stormy showdowns. A May marriage will not bring peace, and a wedding in July will bring many troubles and joys. According to the signs and customs of our ancestors, weddings should be played in February, June, August, September or December.

It should be remembered that the observance of Orthodox fasting is not a fashionable diet, but restrictions that affect all spheres of human life. Fasting in 2017, especially Strict, imposes a ban on the consumption of alcoholic beverages, smoking, parties, concerts and entertainment performances, and marital abstinence is recommended.