This year the Apostles’ fast will begin on June 20. It will last until July 11/June 28, and its completion will be July 12/ June 29 – the commemoration day of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul (there is no fasting on this day).
Traditionally, the Apostles’ fast begins a week after the feast of the Holy Trinity (Pentecost), the date of which, in turn, depends on the day of Orthodox Pascha. In this regard, the duration of the Apostles’ fast is always different.
During this fast, one should refrain from products of animal origin, and on Wednesdays and Fridays also from fish. The very strict monastic charter implies stricter restrictions on fish and the rejection of vegetable oil on some days.
The main meaning of the fast is to prepare believers for the celebration of the memory of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and, of course, the struggle with their passions, as well as doing good deeds.
These apostles were called to serve Christ and the Church in different ways, however, according to the Tradition of the Church, both ended their lives as martyrs – during the reign of Emperor Nero (I century A.D.), St. Peter was crucified upside down on the cross, and St. Paul was beheaded with a sword.
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