Orthodox Christians following the Old (Julian) Calendar begin today, August 14, the Dormition Fast, also known as Saint Mary's Fast. Priest Pavel Borsevschi, parson of the Saint Demetrius Church in Chisinau, told IPN that the fast is meant to induce a state of spiritual happiness and satisfaction for the believers through fasting and prayers.

“In the first day of fasting, we celebrate the Maccabee brothers, who fought valiantly to defend ancestral traditions are the first martyrs of the Old Testament and who are an example for the New Testament as well. Our forerunners have given their name to the first day of fasting – Maccabee Head-of-Fast, as a blessed beginning honoring the Maccabee brothers. Afterwards, we enter the Fast of the Dormition of the Mother of God and it's on this day that the Holy Cross, adorned with flowers, is brought out of the altar during the vespers”, explained the priest. He added that today all the flowers are blessed, as during old times the flowers were dried afterwards and used as medicine during the year.

Saint Mary's Fast is rather strict and fish, oil and wine are allowed only on August 19, when the Transfiguration of Jesus is celebrated, regardless of the day of the week. They are also allowed to eat food cooked with oil on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

The priest explained that the Church relieves children, pregnant women and sick persons of the fasting rules to the extent that they need to maintain their bodily health. Believers are encouraged to avoid partying, to attend church and participate in the Eucharist. They can do this from the first Sunday, on the condition that they have confessed the previous day.

The Dormition Fast has a fixed date and begins every year on August 14 and ends on August 28, anticipation the Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God, commonly known as the Great Saint Mary.