On Sunday Eastern Orthodox Christians have started the Dormition (Falling Asleep) of the Mother of God, more popularly known in Moldova as the Fast of Saint Mary. The fast will last two weeks and will culminate on August 28 with the Dormition Feast.

While relatively short, this is a rigid fast. Within this year’s fast, fish will be allowed only to celebrate the Transfiguration of Jesus feast on August 19. Otherwise, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays all food should be cooked without oil.

Fasting exceptions are afforded to children, pregnant women, and ill people to such extent that allows them to stay healthy.

The feasters should abstain from partying. Instead, they are encouraged to attend liturgies and confess before receiving the communion.

This is one of the four great fasts of the year, along with the Christmas Fast, the Easter Fast and the Apostles’ Fast.