English reference guide · Orthodox fasting
Orthodox Fasting Calendar
Fasting is part of the prayerful rhythm of Orthodox Christian life. Sveto Pravoslavie introduces the main fasting seasons and links to the Bulgarian Orthodox calendar for individual dates and the applicable guidance. This is an English overview, not a translation of every daily fasting rule.
The four main fasting seasons
Great Lent prepares the faithful for Pascha. The Apostles’ Fast is connected with the commemoration of the apostles Peter and Paul. The Dormition Fast precedes the Dormition of the Mother of God, while the Nativity Fast prepares for the Nativity of Christ. The length of some seasons and their place in the civil calendar depend on the date of Pascha.
Weekly fasts and particular days
In the Orthodox tradition, Wednesdays and Fridays are ordinarily observed as fasting days, with exceptions and variations depending on the liturgical period. Certain feast days and other commemorations also affect the fasting rule. Consult the appropriate calendar entry rather than applying the same rule to every date.
How to check an individual date
The full fasting reference (Bulgarian) and the 2026 and 2027 calendar pages provide date-specific information in Bulgarian. When clarification is needed, refer to the Bulgarian Patriarchate’s calendar and seek guidance from your parish priest. Personal pastoral guidance may be necessary for health or other circumstances.
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