The Feast of the Apostles

Apostle's fast begins Monday, June 15 and ends on the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul on Saturday, June 29 (Rocor July 11)



The Apostle's Fast (also known as St. Peter's Fast) is among the oldest Christian traditions and the least well-known. The Apostle's Fast is not as strict as the other fasts and there are different traditions regarding the fasting rule.

Like all Fasts in the Orthodox Church, the Holy Apostles' Fast aims to help us put on the "armor of light" against the attacks of the enemy that may befall during our spiritual journey to become united with God through His grace. The Fast of the Apostles can be an occasion for reflection upon the lives and example of the Holy Apostles. The Fast is also an occasion to remember that in Christ, we have a unity that goes far beyond our personal opinions, likes or dislikes.



The general guidelines for the Apostles’ Fast are as follows:



MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS, and FRIDAYS are Strict Fast Days. On these days we abstain from meat, dairy, fish with backbones, fowl, wine, and oil.



TUESDAYS and THURSDAYS are Wine and Oil Days. On these days the fast is relaxed to permit wine and oil, but we still abstain from meat, dairy, fish with backbones, and fowl.



SATURDAYS and SUNDAYS are Fish, Wine, and Oil Days. On these days the fast is further relaxed to permit fish with backbones in addition to wine and oil, but we still abstain from meat, dairy, and fowl.