Beginning of the Dormition Fast
The Dormition Fast is one of the strictest and most revered fasts among Orthodox Christians
This is a time of spiritual and physical cleansing Believers focus on praying to God, and also limit themselves in food consumption and other pleasures
Believers celebrate the beginning of the Dormition Lent annually on August 14, the date remains unchanged In terms of duration, it is considered the shortest of the multi-day fasts, only 14 days It ends on August 27th It received its name thanks to the Orthodox holiday of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is celebrated at its end, on August 28 He is the only one dedicated to the mother of Jesus Christ
According to legend, the Most Holy Mary knew about the day of her departure to another world The Mother of God prepared for it, prayed fervently, abstained from food, despite the fact that her life was an example of holiness and sacrifice Orthodox Christians must also pray and limit themselves in food and other physical pleasures in order to get even a little closer to the purity of Mary Mentions have been found in history that the Assumption Fast was observed already in 450
The beginning of the Dormition Fast is combined with the Feast of the Origin of the Venerable Trees of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord, dedicated to the Savior Hence the second name - Honey Spas According to tradition, on August 14, after the festive liturgy, it is customary to carry out a religious procession to bless the water and honey of the new harvest According to legend, the religious procession and the blessing of water can prevent and cure various diseases After the honey is blessed, it is allowed to be consumed Housewives prepare baked goods with honey for this holiday and treat their loved ones and guests
In the middle of the Dormition Lent (August 19), another holiday falls - the Transfiguration of the Lord In another way it is called Apple Savior On this day, according to tradition, apples are blessed in churches
The Dormition Fast is very significant for believers Throughout its entire length, Orthodox Christians observe the traditions and restrictions imposed by religion Entertainment events and celebrations, including weddings, should be excluded and rescheduled
Despite its short duration, the Assumption Fast is very strict All food consumed must certainly be non-frugal (not of animal origin) During this time, the following should be excluded from the diet:
Authorized products include:
The strictest days regarding food intake are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday These days it is allowed to eat only raw foods that have not been subjected to heat treatment
On Tuesdays and Thursdays it is allowed to eat food cooked on fire (boiled, stewed), but without adding oil
On weekends, hot food with the addition of vegetable oil is allowed Even drinking a small amount of red wine is allowed
On the Transfiguration you are allowed to eat fish and fish dishes
Strict adherence to dietary restrictions is not recommended:
The main idea of the Dormition Fast is not to limit food consumption, but to cleanse the soul and body, remain in prayer, and fulfill the commandments If a person observes dietary restrictions, but at the same time swears, curses, and sins, then there will be no spiritual benefit from such abstinence Only by showing mercy to your neighbor and fulfilling the commandments can you gain spiritual relief and peace