For Orthodox believers, the Dormition Fast begins on August 14.

The Dormition Fast runs from August 14 to August 27. It is the last of the multi-day fasts of the year. The shortest of all fasts, it lasts only two weeks: it begins with the Honey Spas on August 14, its center is the Transfiguration of the Lord, and it ends with the Dormition of the Mother of God. It is not as strict as Great Lent, but stricter than the Apostles' Fast and the Nativity Fast. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, the church charter prescribes "dry eating" (uncooked food), on Tuesdays and Thursdays – cooked food, but without oil. It is forbidden to consume any animal products, including fish. Fish is allowed only on the feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord on August 19. According to the church charter, vegetable oil is permitted on Saturdays, Sundays, and also on holidays. Despite its strictness, the Dormition Fast has long been considered the most pleasant and easiest, because the basis of the Lenten table consists of young potatoes, mushrooms, and vegetables and fruits that ripen during this period.

The Dormition Fast is the only one dedicated to the Theotokos. According to church tradition, the Theotokos learned about the time of her transition from this world. She prepared for this transition with fasting and intensified prayer, although she did not need purification of her soul or correction – her entire life was a model of holiness and sacrifice. Orthodox Christians fast, imitating the feat of the Most Holy Theotokos, wishing to at least partially resemble her purity, praising her. Saint Symeon of Thessaloniki wrote that "the fast in August was established in honor of the Mother of God, who fasted, praying for us, when she intended to pass from this life to the next."

The Dormition Fast, like any other, aims to strengthen spiritual life. Fasting must necessarily be combined with prayer, repentance, struggle with sinful passions and habits, as well as with acts of mercy.

The Church particularly emphasizes that fasting is fundamentally different from vegetarianism or a regular diet. It is primarily abstinence for Christ's sake, both in bodily pleasures and in spiritual entertainment. Believers strive, with God's help, to overcome their specific shortcomings and to restore peace and harmony in relationships with their neighbors where they have been lost.

Anna Gromyko - BELTA