Apostles' Fast

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The Apostles' Fast is a traditional Eastern Christian period of fasting and preparation observed in honor of the apostles, particularly leading up to the feast of Saints Peter and Paul.

Aliases (1)

Statements (48)
Predicate Object
instanceOf Christian fast
Eastern Christian observance
liturgical season
alsoKnownAs Apostles’ Lent
Fast of the Holy Apostles
Peter and Paul Fast
associatedWith almsgiving
increased prayer
preparation for mission and witness
repentance
calendarDependence depends on the date of Pascha in the given year
calendarSystem observed according to Julian calendar in some churches
observed according to Revised Julian or Gregorian calendar in other churches
category Christian fasting and abstinence
Eastern Christian liturgical year
durationCharacteristic can range from several days to several weeks
variable length depending on date of Pascha (Easter)
endDate 12 July (Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, Julian calendar date as observed on Gregorian)
29 June (Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, Gregorian calendar, in many churches)
especiallyHonors Saint Paul the Apostle
Saint Peter
fastingRule abstinence from dairy products on most days in stricter observance
abstinence from meat on most days
limited use of fish, wine, and oil depending on day and local typikon
follows Feast of All Saints (Byzantine tradition)
Sunday of All Saints
honors apostles of Jesus Christ
juridicalStatus regulated by local Orthodox and Eastern Catholic synods
liturgicalColor varies by local tradition
liturgicalPractices special hymns and propers for apostles in the daily cycle
observanceLevel varies by local church and piety of the faithful
observedBy Eastern Catholic Churches
Eastern Orthodox Church
Oriental Orthodox Churches
some Eastern-rite Catholic Churches
partOf Byzantine Rite liturgical cycle
preparesFor Feast of Saints Peter and Paul
purpose cultivation of ascetic discipline among the faithful
honor and veneration of the apostles
spiritual preparation for the feast of Saints Peter and Paul
relatedTo Dormition Fast
Great Lent
Nativity Fast
scripturalInspiration Acts of the Apostles
New Testament accounts of apostolic fasting and mission
startRelationToPascha begins on the second Monday after Pentecost in the Byzantine tradition
theologicalTheme imitation of the apostles’ ascetic life
strengthening of the faithful for spiritual struggle

Referenced by (4)

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