The Orthodox Christians who follow the Julian calendar on July 12 celebrate the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, which marks the end of the Apostles’ Fast. This year the fast lasted for a month, IPN reports.

Parishioners come to church to attend the service, while those who fasted can take communion on this day. Even if the fast ends, the Christians are urged to continue to fast on Wednesdays and Fridays, to pray daily and to do good deeds.

St Peter was one of Jesus Christ’s 12 apostles and spent most of his life preaching the Christian gospel. After his Resurrection, the Lord entrusted Apostle Peter to shepherd his spiritual flock because Peter was first among the Apostles and as such the representative of the Church.

St Paul, formerly Saul, was converted to Christianity on the road to Damascus shortly after Jesus Christ’s death. He became an influential leader in the Christian church.

Saints Petru and Paul are considered the heads of the apostles and preachers because they contributed to the spread of the Christian teachings in many parts of the world. The apostles were killed by order of Roman Emperor Nero. Saint Paul was beheaded, while Saint Peter was crucified.