Rules of the Easter Fast

The Great or Easter Fast is the longest and strictest fast in the Orthodox tradition, serving as a preparation for the most significant Christian holiday—Easter. This year, the fast lasts from March 3rd to April 19th, while Easter falls on Sunday, April 20th, bringing four consecutive non-working days.

This fast lasts a total of 48 days, including Holy Week, and its purpose is not only to abstain from certain foods but also to prepare spiritually for the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection. During this period, believers are expected to focus not only on dietary restrictions but also on inner spiritual purification.

Easter Fast Rules: Everything You Need to Know

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The Easter Fast lasts for seven weeks, each with its own name and specific rules. However, some principles apply throughout the entire fasting period.

During this time, believers abstain from meat, eggs, cheese, milk, and all animal-based fats. The consumption of wine and oil is permitted only on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as on the feast of the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste (Mladenci), while fish is allowed only on the Annunciation and Palm Sunday. On all other days, fasting is observed "on water" (without oil), with particularly strict fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays.

The first three days of the fast are traditionally marked by the strictest abstinence from food, while the final week imposes even stricter dietary rules, except for Holy Thursday, when oil and wine are allowed. On Good Friday, believers refrain from food and drink until the afternoon service and the bringing out of the epitaphios, after which a light meal "on water" is taken. Strict fasting continues on Holy Saturday as well.

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Fasting "on water" means complete elimination of animal products, as well as food prepared with oil. This type of fasting differs from fasting with oil, fasting with fish, and "white fasting" (where all foods except meat are allowed).

Additionally, it is emphasized that true fasting has both a physical and a spiritual aspect. It involves not only abstaining from non-fasting foods but also refraining from negative thoughts, desires, and actions, increasing prayers, practicing charity, and upholding all evangelical virtues.

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