Orthodox Christians enter the fast of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, also known among the people as “Sâmpetru”. This fast always begins on the Monday after the Sunday of All Saints (the first Sunday after the Descent of the Holy Spirit) and lasts until July 12, when the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul is celebrated, IPN reports.
The Fast of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul does not have a fixed duration and lasts for two to nine weeks, depending on the date of Easter. It’s a mild fasting period. Every Saturday and Sunday, those fasting are allowed to eat fish and oil and drink wine. The teaching for fasts in the Great Clock shows that on Monday, Wednesday and Friday vegetables without oil are eaten, on Tuesdays and Thursdays -vegetables with oil and wine are allowed. In the case of the Church’s patron saint, fish is allowed.
The Church urges the Christians to fast both physically and spiritually. This fast, like the others throughout the year, is an opportunity to elevate the soul. Parishioners are urged to pray more, repent, confess, and take communion for the forgiveness of sins.
During this fast, as in the case of the other fasts throughout the year, wedding parties cannot be held because the fasting period is not compatible with the joy and merrymaking that usually accompany weddings.
If the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, which is always celebrated on July 12, falls on Wednesday or Thursday, fish, wine and oil are allowed.
During the year there are four fasting periods – Great Lent, Nativity Fast, Dormition Fast and Fast of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul.
