Dormition Fast 2018

The month of August is dedicated to the Mother of God. From the 1st to the 15th of August, we celebrate the supplicatory canon to the Theotokos, also known as the Paraklesis, in Greek, on a daily basis. We chant hymns to the Theotokos, asking for her protection, and her intercession upon the throne of Christ our God for the salvation of our souls and the help and protection of the entire world.









"Preserve and save, O Theotokos, thy servants from every danger; after God do all of us for refuge flee unto thee; a firm rampart art thou and our protection." (From the Paraklesis to the Theotokos)

The fasting period for the Dormition of the Mother of God begins on the 1st of August. During this fasting period we abstain from meat and meat products, fish, dairy products, oil and wine from Monday to Friday. Oil and wine is permitted on Saturdays and Sundays. Fish, oil and wine are permitted on the 6th of August, feast day of the Transfiguration of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The fast ends on the 15th of August, on the feast day of the Dormition. However, since the feast of the Dormition falls on a Wednesday this year, we abstain from meat and dairy on this day and we can only partake of fish, wine and oil.

This is a general fasting rule which has been set by the fathers of our holy church; however, everyone must consult with their spiritual father for their own personal fasting rule.