Fasts of the Church

Great Lent

Dates depend on Pascha

Apostles Fast

Varies to July 12 (civil date) (beginning date depends on Pascha)

Theotokos Fast

August 14 to 28 (civil dates)

Nativity Fast

November 28 to January 7 (civil dates)

Fast Days During Non-Fasting Periods

Normal Fast Days

Wednesday and Friday

Eve of Theophany

January 5/18

Strict fast

St. John the Baptist

August 29/September 11

Strict fast

Exaltation of the Cross

September 14/27

Strict fast

Fast-Free Periods

Nativity Festal Period

January 7 through 17 (civil dates)

Week After the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee

Dates depend on Pascha

Cheesefare Week

Dates depend on Pascha

No meat permitted

Bright Week

Dates depend on Pascha

Week After Pentecost

Dates depend on Pascha