Dormition Fast starts today

14.08.2010 11:18
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The Orthodox Christians in Moldova enter the two-week Dormition Fast leading up to the holiday of the Dormition of the Holy Mother of God, traditionally marked on August 28. On the first fast day, the Christians go to church and bless water and fragrant herbage, priest Victor Cerasau, of the Chisinau-based Greeting the God Church, stated for Info-Prim Neo. The Orthodox Church teaches that Mary died a natural death, like any human being; that her soul was received by Christ upon death; and that her body was resurrected on the third day after her repose, at which time she was taken up, bodily only, into heaven. Her tomb was found empty on the third day. During the Fast, the faithful fast from red meat, poultry, meat products, dairy products, fish, oil, and wine. Fish is allowed only on the Transfiguration Day, marked on August 19. The Dormition Fast is a stricter fast than either the Nativity Fast (Advent) or the Apostles' Fast, with only wine and oil allowed on weekends. In some places, the services on weekdays during the Fast are similar to the services during Great Lent. Many churches and monasteries will perform the Lenten services on at least the first day of the Dormition Fast. The water blessed on this day is used throughout the year. The faithful drink it in the morning before the prayer and meal. No marriages and baptizing ceremonies are held during the Dormition Fast.