The fast of the Dormition of the Mother of God, colloquially known in Moldova as the Saint Mary fast, has begun this past Sunday, as per the Julian calendar. It will last a fortnight, until August 28, when the Dormition feast is celebrated.
The fast is one of the strictest in the Orthodox calendar, akin to the Lent. Fish is allowed only on August 19, when the feast of Jesus’s Transfiguration is celebrated. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays even cooking oil is disallowed.
The Church makes exceptions from fasting for children, expecting women, and people who cannot fast for health reasons.
Believers are encouraged to observe a “spiritual fast” as well, in addition to abstaining from certain foods. This includes abstaining from merrymaking as well as visiting the church more often.
