A strict fast begins in the year. Calendar of fasts and meals. Sayings and rituals on Kudelitsa and Filippovka

The Assumption Fast is the culmination of summer, two weeks of spiritual and physical preparation for one of the most beloved holidays among the people - the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

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 the restrictions of the Dormition Fast, we imitate the Theotokos Herself.

When does Dormition Fast begin in 2016?

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 the Dormition Fast begin in 2016?” the answer is easy - August 1 (14), that is, the same as in all previous years.

There are two holidays during the Assumption Fast, known primarily by their “folk” names, but also having ecclesiastical significance Honey Savior (in the church calendar - Origin (wearing) of the Honest Trees of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord) and Apple Spas (Transfiguration of the Lord). The first one is related to an 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 holiday Origin of the Holy Trees of the Cross of the Lord and the Dormition Fast begins.

On the Apple Savior, a new crop of apples is traditionally consecrated, but for the Church this day is important as a big holiday, one of the Twelve - Transfiguration. 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 words of the Evangelist Matthew, He "transformed before them, and His face shone like the sun, His clothes became white as 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, eating fish is allowed at the meal.

The peculiarity of the Dormition Fast in 2016 is that it begins on Sunday, which gives it additional solemnity and makes it possible to smoothly switch to a fasting diet.

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 question of what can and cannot be eaten during the Dormition Fast should be decided individually - depending on the state of health, age, and 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 abstaining from one or another food, the Orthodox 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 thinks that fasting is only abstaining from food is mistaken. True fasting is the removal from evil, the curbing of the tongue, the postponement of anger, the taming of lusts, the cessation of slander, lies, perjury..

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

When does the Dormition Fast end in 2016?

Celebration Dormition August 15 (28) is always celebrated - 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.

Dormition in 2016 falls on Sunday, there is no fast on this day.

Advent fast in 2019 begins 41 days before Christmas - November 27. It is also called Philip's fast, as it begins immediately after Memorial Day.

During the Advent according to the church monastic charter (typicon) should refrain from animal products (meat, eggs, milk). Before Memorial Day (December 19) on Monday you can eat hot food without oil, on Wednesday and Friday - a strict fast (dry food - vegetables, fruits, bread). On Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday - fish, mushrooms, cereals with vegetable oil, etc.

Xerophagy.

Fish allowed

Fish allowed

Hot food without oil

Fish allowed

Fish are allowed.

Fish are allowed.

Hot food without oil

Fish are allowed.

Xerophagy.

Fish are allowed.

Xerophagy.

Fish are allowed.

Fish are allowed.

Hot food without oil

Fish are allowed.

Xerophagy.

Fish are allowed.

Xerophagy.

Fish are allowed.

Fish are allowed.

Hot food without oil

Food with vegetable oil.

Xerophagy.

December 26, Thursday Mch. Eustratia,AuxentiaEvgeniya,Mardaria andOresta

Food with vegetable oil.

Xerophagy.

Fish are allowed.

Fish are allowed.

Hot food without oil

Food with vegetable oil.

Xerophagy.

Food with vegetable oil.

Food with vegetable oil.

The merry revelry ends Pancake week, which in 2016 is celebrated from 7 to 13 March. March 13 is Forgiveness Sunday- the last day of the Maslenitsa week and the last day before Great post. During the merry Shrovetide week, mountains of pancakes were eaten, generously poured with sour cream, butter, jam or seasoned with mushrooms, cabbage, fish, caviar and other goodies that were supposed to reconcile those who respect Orthodox customs with the lack of meat, which they had to say goodbye to a week earlier . Yes, and drunk during Maslenitsa, we admit, a lot and by no means only sbitney, jelly and compotes. All these half-permitted liberties were supposed to prepare everyone for whom religion is not an empty phrase for the strictness of Great Lent, designed to set the Christian in soul and body for the main Orthodox holiday - Easter, which in 2016 will be May 1.

When is Lent in 2016

Great post in 2016 starts on Monday, March 14, and will last for forty days, until April 30 inclusive. March 14 to April 30 the strictest restrictions apply, relating primarily to spiritual purification, as well as nutrition.

What Orthodox holidays fall on Great Lent in 2016

In April, there will be several important Orthodox holidays, one way or another connected with Easter. These days the strictness of fasting is softened.

April 24 - The Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem, which is called Palm (Palm) Sunday, this is the last Sunday before Easter;

What not to eat in Lent

According to Orthodox tradition, on all days of Great Lent, believers refrain from eating meat and dairy products, as well as from eggs. Also, fasting people should not eat foods containing "forbidden" ingredients: mayonnaise, butter, muffins and, in general, white bread, sweets and other confectionery. Alcohol and fish are also banned, with the exception of three holidays, when some indulgence is allowed: this is the feast of the Annunciation, Palm Sunday and Palm (Lazarev) Saturday (on this day it is customary to eat fish caviar).

What can you eat in Lent

Foods to eat while fasting:

• legumes, seeds, nuts, dried fruits;
• pickles and pickles, vegetables, juices, berries, jam (preferably not very sweet);
• frozen and fresh vegetables, fruits, and mushrooms;
• herbs and spices;
• products made from soy;
• cereals and unsweetened bread.

However, it should be remembered that you should not overeat, even when it comes to permitted foods: intemperance in eating during Lent is not encouraged. In addition, it should be remembered that when eating lean analogues of fast foods, such as soy meat, soy sausage or soy dairy products, there is some kind of substitution, since fasting is not an end in itself. Abstinence and self-restraint should first of all help believers cleanse their minds and souls, learn to avoid anger, condemnation of their neighbors, bad thoughts and deeds.

“The one who thinks that fasting is only abstaining from food is mistaken. True fasting is the removal from evil, curbing the tongue, putting off anger, taming lusts, stopping slander, lies and perjury,” taught John Chrysostom.

Who can fast

Forty days of Lenten abstinence is within the power of any adult healthy person who feels ready to prepare for Easter in this way. However, with regard to children, pregnant and lactating women, the sick and the elderly, special care is needed and, of course, common sense. Yes, children can easily do forty days without meat, sausages and sausages, but depriving them of dairy products is unreasonable and unhealthy (it is better that the child consciously refuses, for example, sweets). The same applies to pregnant women (especially those with pathology of pregnancy) and nursing mothers - both of them need good nutrition.

Strict fasting can also be dangerous for patients, especially those who have low hemoglobin, have diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, diseases of the hematopoietic organs, including cancer. It is advisable for such patients not to completely refuse meat products. Also, fasting relaxations are allowed for people doing hard physical work that requires a lot of energy, for travelers, in prison, etc. It is enough for them to restrict themselves in the first and last weeks of fasting.

And, of course, it makes sense for all those who fast, especially those who decide to do it for the first time, to consult a doctor, get a blessing from a confessor, and also be responsible and be guided by common sense.

Lent 2016: food calendar by day

We offer a variant of the diet calendar for Great Lent according to the so-called “monastic charter”, which, of course, is too strict for the laity, but can become a kind of guide, if not to action, then at least to reflection. And of course, it should be remembered that fasting without prayer and spiritual growth is just a diet.

The most important thing during the year for Orthodox believers is Great Lent, which lasts seven weeks. In 2016, it will begin on March 14 and will last until April 30, after which believers will happily meet the bright celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. You should prepare thoroughly for the arrival - spend the days of fasting in abstinence from worldly temptations, being cleansed spiritually and physically. During this period, you need to rid your soul of sorrows and insults, cleanse yourself of envy and anger.

Daily prayers, with which believers begin a new day and see it off, help to achieve purification and peace. Mandatory during this period is a visit to the temple and church services. Christians in fasting should not take part in entertainment events, listen to music, laugh out loud, speak in a loud voice; in addition, they do not tie the knot during fasting and do not perform a wedding ceremony.

How to eat in Great Lent?

The first and last weeks of Great Lent are characterized by special severity. With the onset of Clean Monday, food should be completely abandoned and this day should be spent outside the hustle and bustle of worldly thoughts. As for other days, you need to adhere to the following nutritional rules:

• dry food is allowed on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: these days you can eat bread, eat fruits, nuts and vegetables, eat honey, drink plain water;
• on Tuesdays and Thursdays, it is allowed to eat hot food from vegetables and fruits without oil;
• on Saturdays and Sundays, you can eat food of plant origin, flavoring it with vegetable oil;
• on the day of the feast of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos (falling on April 7), you can eat fish;
• on Palm Sunday (April 24), believers can also add fish dishes to the diet;
• on the day of Lazarus Saturday (April 23), fasting people can serve dishes with fish caviar to the table;
• on Good Friday (April 29), you should refuse food until the moment when the shroud is taken out during the church service.

In general, during the fasting period, it is forbidden to eat any food of animal origin, which means that in total, believers refuse meat, coffee and tea, dairy products, alcoholic beverages and eggs.

Weeks of Great Lent

Great Lent lasts seven weeks, each of which has its own name and traditions.

• Week 1. On Fedorov Week, Christians remember all the defenders of the faith of Christ, and on Saturday they honor the memory of the Great Martyr Theodore Tiron.
• 2 weeks. In the second week of fasting, one should remember about Gregory Palamas - an Orthodox saint, theologian and philosopher, after whom she is named.
• 3 weeks. This period is called Holy Cross Week. Orthodox throughout the week worship the Life-Giving Cross.
• 4 weeks. In the fourth week, the Orthodox commemorate the deeds of the theologian and philosopher John of the Ladder.
• 5 week. During the fifth week of Great Lent, believers should remember Mary of Egypt, the patroness of penitent sinners.
• 6 week. The penultimate week is called Palm Week. At this time, Christians remember the entry of Jesus into the city of Jerusalem.
• 7 week. Holy Week, which ends the fast, has the strictest rules. During these seven days, believers must repent, take communion and be cleansed of sins, since it was at this time that the son of God suffered terrible torment.

Every day of Holy Week is called the Great, because it was filled with important events. These days the Last Supper took place, followed by the betrayal of the son of God, his execution on Golgotha ​​and miraculous resurrection from the dead. For seven days, Orthodox believers do not watch television programs, do not listen to music, try not to leave the house and spend time in prayer cleansing. At the end of the last week, the long-awaited holiday of Great Easter comes.

There are four long fasts in the Orthodox calendar.

Great Lent (Fourteen)- the main post in all Christian denominations. The Savior, tempted by the devil, stayed in the desert without food for forty days. In memory of this event is the meaning of the Forty Day.

Petrov post (Apostolic)- Dedicated to Peter and Paul, the Holy Apostles, who diligently fasted and prayed before preaching the Gospel.

Assumption post (Assumption)- a reminder of the last earthly days of the Virgin, spent in prayers and abstinence.

Christmas Post (Filippov)- during the Nativity fast, believers prepare to meet the coming of the baby Christ into this world pure and sinless. The path to spiritual and moral transformation lies through repentance, prayer and the rejection of fast food.

On Wednesdays, believers fast in memory of the tragic event - the betrayal of Judas Iscariot. Friday is the day of the death of the Savior on the cross.

One-day fasts are the days before important religious events. Religious tradition requires believers to observe abstinence, preparing for the holidays physically, morally and spiritually.

Calendar of Orthodox fasts and allowed meals for 2016

Great Lent (14.03 -30.04)

Lent is the strictest fast in Orthodoxy. Its duration in 2016 will be 42 days. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday, a dry diet was established, excluding the consumption of oil. You can eat salads without dressing, fruits, bread, drink water and juices.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays - hot soups, baked, boiled, stewed vegetables and cereals. The oil ban continues. On Saturdays and Sundays it is allowed to cook food in vegetable oil.

Petrov post (27.06-11.07)

On Monday - a hot meal with the exception of butter. Raw food without oil - on Wednesdays and Fridays. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays - fish dishes.

Dormition Fast (14.08-27.08)

The dietary rules are the same as during Lent.

Christmas post (28.11 - 06.01.17)

Philip's post is divided into three periods:

• 28.11 - 19.12 (until the day of St. Nicholas) - the features of nutrition on these days are similar to the diet established for the Apostolic Lent.
• 20.12 - 01.01 - hot meals without oil are allowed on Monday and Thursday; on Tuesday - with butter. On Wednesdays and Fridays - dry food. The diet of the last two days of the week is enriched with fish.
• 02.01 - 06.01 - the same strict restrictions as during the period of Fortecost.

Wednesdays and Fridays

These days, throughout the year, a ban on meat and dairy food is imposed. Fishing is allowed, except during periods of many days of fasting.

One day posts

• 18.01 - Christmas Eve - Epiphany Eve.
• September 27 - Day of memory of the suffering of the Savior on the cross.
• 11.09 Beheading of John the Baptist

During one-day fasts, you can not eat quick food, sweets. Allowed cereal and vegetable dishes seasoned with vegetable oil, fruits. There are more than two hundred fast days in a year. The rest of the time, the consumption of meat dishes is allowed.

Periods without bans

• 8.05-26.06 Spring meat-eater;
• 07/12-08/13 Summer meat-eater;
• 28.08-27.09 Autumn meat-eater;
• 20.01 - 13.03 Winter meat-eater;

Solid weeks

These are periods within meat-eaters during which meat can be eaten even on Wednesdays and Fridays. There are 5 weeks in a year.

• 07.01- 17.01 Christmas time;
• 22.02 - 28.02 Sunday of the publican and the Pharisee;
• 07.03 – 13.03 Maslenitsa (Cheese) week;
• 02.05-0 08.05 Easter;
• 20.06-26.06 Trinity.

You should know that on Shrove Tuesday a ban on meat consumption is imposed.

About meals during Orthodox holidays

The features of meals on the days of Orthodox holidays depend on whether or not these days coincide with periods of fasting. On Christmas, Epiphany, Candlemas, a plentiful table with poultry and pork dishes is allowed. Moderate alcohol consumption is allowed.

The Annunciation in 2016 will be on April 7, during the period of Fortecost. Meat cannot be eaten. Lenten recipes are offered: cabbage rolls, pancakes, dumplings, vegetable salads. Fish dishes are allowed.

The date of Palm Sunday in 2016 is 24.04. Fish dishes and red wine are allowed. On Trinity, the main dishes are vegetable salads seasoned with fresh herbs, scrambled eggs, loaf.

On the Day of the Transfiguration of the Lord, small amounts of wine, fish dishes, and seafood are allowed.

Abstinence and health

Priests share the opinion of doctors that following religious traditions should not be harmful to health. With the right approach to choosing foods during Orthodox fasts, food will be healthy and balanced. With the complete exclusion of meat from the diet, it is necessary to prevent excessive intake of carbohydrates and protein deficiency.

A valuable source of protein are legumes - beans, peas, soybeans, as well as fatty ocean fish, seafood, nuts. A little less of it is found in pumpkin, cereals, but these products are also necessary during the fasting period. Useful olive, cedar, sesame oil.

According to lean recipes, the diet can include dishes from oven-baked vegetables, fruit desserts, rye flour bread, honey and nuts. Lemon juice can serve as a substitute for oil for dressing dishes.

Important! Rigid restrictions are always stressful for the body. Sick and weakened people are not recommended to strictly follow all the prescriptions of the Orthodox Meal Calendar. During fasting, it is enough to limit the consumption of meat, milk and eggs.

Contraindications for strict fasting:

• Pregnancy, breastfeeding;
• Diabetes;
• Peptic ulcer, gastritis, cholecystitis;
• Anemia;
• Recent surgeries, severe infections, exacerbation of chronic diseases;
• Hard physical labor.

The essence of fasting in Orthodoxy is by no means limited to abstaining from "fast" food.

During this period, the Church encourages believers to eradicate their shortcomings, not to succumb to anger, to spend more time with loved ones, to do good deeds. Only against the background of moral purification does fasting acquire its true meaning - it becomes a means of gaining love for God and people.