The Orthodox Christians, who use the old (Julian) calendar, on Wednesday enter the Fast of the Dormition of the Mother of God, also called the Fast of Saint Mary. This fast honors the period that the Virgin Mary spent before the Dormition in prayer, IPN reports.

The Fast of Saint Mary is relatively short in duration, but in severity it is similar to the Great Lent of Easter. It has a fixed date and lasts two weeks, from August 14 to August 28, and precedes the Feast of the Assumption of the Mother of God, a feast called Saint Mary the Great by the people.

The Fast of the Dormition of the Mother of God is strict and fish, oil and wine are allowed only on onefeast day, on August 19, when the Transfiguration of the Savior is celebrated, regardless of the day on which this feast falls. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, fasting Christians will not be permitted oil, while on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, they will be allowed to eat oil.

The Church frees from fasting the children, pregnant women, sick people to the extent that they maintain their strength and the health of their body. Likewise, Christians are urged to abstain from parties, to attend services and partake of the holy gifts. The parishioners can receive communion from the first Sunday, after going to confession on the eve.

Four great royal feasts were dedicated to the Mother of God. The most significant one marks her death. According to the church canons, the Mother of God was taken up by the Savior to heaven and she always prays for the people like an intercessor. “The Mother of God is the most honest of earthlings, more honest than the heavenly powers, than the Seraphim and Cherubim. Through the Virgin Mary, Jesus Christ comes to earth,” says the Church.