Orthodox calendar contains two annual circles of events: , all dates of which are firmly set in , and , all events of which are set relative to the day of celebration.
Easter day is calculated according to (Alexandrian) and is celebrated simultaneously by all Orthodox Churches (except the Finnish Church, which switched to the Gregorian calendar), as well as all the events of the Easter circle associated with it.
The dates of the fixed circle are marked in different ways: according to Julian calendar (the so-called "old style") and according to Gregorian calendar (modern civil calendar, or "new style").
In the Russian Orthodox Church, as well as in the Jerusalem, Georgian, Serbian Churches and in the monasteries of Athos, the events of a fixed circle are celebrated, which in the XX-XXI centuries differs by 13 days. So, the beginning of the church year (), set for September 1, is celebrated according to the civil calendar on September 14.
In the other eleven Local Orthodox Churches, the dates of the fixed circle are celebrated. So, it is celebrated before the civil new year, December 25th.
The presented Orthodox calendar allows you to determine the dates of fasts and holidays from 100 to 20000. When you hover over a calendar number, information about the features of this day appears. When you click on any day of the month, the link will lead to the corresponding date of the detailed daily calendar of the Russian Orthodox Church. Links to the daily calendar work plus/minus 10 years from the current date.
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Enter the desired width and height of the embeddable frame (the default sizes are 950px and 700px, which will allow you to place a calendar without horizontal and vertical scrollbars):The Assumption Fast is the culmination of summer, two weeks of spiritual and physical preparation for one of the most beloved holidays in the Russian people - the Assumption of the Most Holy Theotokos.
It is known that the Virgin Mary observed strict moderation in food all her earthly life, and during the three days of her Assumption she stopped eating food and only drank water. Thus, by imposing on themselves the restrictions of the Dormition Fast, believers imitate the Theotokos Herself.
When does Dormition Fast begin in 2017?
All multi-day Orthodox fasts have both common features and their own characteristics. Assumption fasting is comparable in severity to Great Lent. Just like Petrov Lent, it falls in the summer. And the similarity with the Advent is that its beginning and end have fixed calendar dates.
Therefore, to the question:When does Dormition fast begin in 2017? the answer is easy - August 1 (14), that is, the same as in all previous years.
Two holidays fall on the Assumption Fast, known primarily by their “folk” names, but also having church significance Honey Savior (in the church calendar - the Origin (wearing) of the Honest Trees of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord) and Apple Savior (Transfiguration of the Lord). The first of them is connected with the ancient custom to bring the Holy Tree of the Cross to the streets and roads to ward off illnesses, which happened a lot in August. According to folk tradition, on this day, honey is brought to churches for consecration. This day is celebrated on August 1 (14), that is, from the feast of the Origin of the Honest Trees of the Cross of the Lord, and the Dormition Fast begins.
On Apple Savior, a new harvest of apples is traditionally consecrated, but for the Church this day is important as a big holiday, one of the Twelve - the Transfiguration of the Lord.It was installed in memory of the event on Mount Tabor, where the Savior, together with the three closest disciples Peter, Jacob and Jon, went to pray. And there, praying, He, according to the word of the Evangelist Matthew,He “transformed before them, and His face shone like the sun, His clothes became whitelike light." At the same time, the Old Testament prophets Moses and Elijah appeared and talked with Him. The Feast of the Transfiguration precedes one day of prefeast - August 5 (18), and it will be followed by seven days of afterfeast - from August 7 (20) to 13 (26). In honor of the Transfiguration of the Lord, as one of the great holidays, believers are allowed to eat fish at a meal.
What can you eat in Assumption Fast?
Assumption Lent meals exclude meat and meat products, fish, seafood, eggs and dairy products. Relaxation is allowed on the feast of the Transfiguration, when you can eat fish. But in many ways the questionwhat can you eat in the Dormition fast, and whatit is impossible, it must be decided individually - depending on the state of health, age, preparedness of a particular person. Separately, it is worth considering the lean diet of children - for them, refusing food containing calcium and other substances important for a growing body can lead to undesirable health consequences. All these questions are best discussed with your confessor.
Thanks to the abundance of vegetables, mushrooms, fruits, garden greens that August gives us, the food of the Assumption Lent is varied, nutritious and rich in vitamins. It is not for nothing that the Dormition fast has long been called a gourmet among the people.
Nevertheless, it should be borne in mind that in the matter of abstinence from one food or another, Orthodox believers are guided by the monastic charter, and this is not possible for everyone. Fasting is by no means a diet, and if fasting to the fullest extent (for example, on days of dry eating) irritates others, then it is obvious that such an “assault on Heaven” achieves the opposite goal.
Here it is appropriate to recall the admonition of John Chrysostom: “The one who believes that fasting is only abstaining from food is mistaken. True fasting is the removal from evil, curbing the tongue, putting off anger, taming lusts, ending slander, lies, and perjury.
It is much easier to endure the restrictions of fasting if you observe moderation the day before, without arranging a plentiful meal “finally”.
As already mentioned, in terms of abstinence in food, the Dormition Fast is similar to Great Lent. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday, it provides for dry eating - eating uncooked food, while tea, coffee, compotes, kissels, decoctions are replaced with water and juices. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, hot meals are allowed, but without vegetable oil. On Saturdays and Sundays - hot food with vegetable oil.
Dormition fasting schedule, meals by day:
Dry eating - uncooked plant foods are eaten: raw fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, sprouted grains, nuts, honey, bread. From drinking: water, juices.
Hot food without oil - boiled vegetable food without oil is allowed: soups, cereals, boiled and baked potatoes, stewed and baked vegetables, mushrooms. From drinks: tea, coffee, compotes, jelly, decoctions.
Dry eating - uncooked plant foods are eaten: raw fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, sprouted grains, nuts, honey, bread. From drinking: water, juices.
Along with hot food, fish and seafood are allowed, and some wine is also allowed.
Hot food with oil - boiled vegetable food is eaten, including with the addition of oil: soups, cereals, potatoes (fried, boiled, baked), stewed and baked vegetables, mushrooms, bread. Allowed drinks: tea, coffee, compotes, kissels, decoctions, some wine is allowed.
Dry eating - uncooked plant foods are eaten: raw fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, sprouted grains, nuts, honey, bread. From drinking: water, juices.
Hot food without oil - boiled vegetable food without oil is allowed: soups, cereals, boiled and baked potatoes, stewed and baked vegetables, mushrooms. From drinks: tea, coffee, compotes, jelly, decoctions.
Dry eating - uncooked plant foods are eaten: raw fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, sprouted grains, nuts, honey, bread. From drinking: water, juices.
Hot food without oil - boiled vegetable food without oil is allowed: soups, cereals, boiled and baked potatoes, stewed and baked vegetables, mushrooms. From drinks: tea, coffee, compotes, jelly, decoctions.
Dry eating - uncooked plant foods are eaten: raw fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, sprouted grains, nuts, honey, bread. From drinking: water, juices.
Hot food with oil - you can eat boiled vegetable food, including with the addition of oil: soups, cereals, potatoes (fried, boiled, baked), stewed and baked vegetables, mushrooms, bread. Allowed drinks: tea, coffee, compotes, kissels, decoctions, some wine is allowed.
Observing Dormition fast, meals by dayin accordance with the charter, it would be wrong to end it with an excessive breaking of the fast according to the principle “now you can!”.
When does the Dormition Fast end in 2017?
The Feast of the Assumption is always celebrated on August 15 (28) - it ends the Assumption Fast. It is one of the fixed dates of the church calendar, not tied to the Easter holiday. Therefore, the end date of the Dormition Fast does not change in different years.
Assumption in 2017 falls on Monday, there is no fast on this day.
During the days of Great Lent (Fourteen) every Orthodox Christian must realize where and in what he has sinned, and also be sure to repent before God. The soul of a believing person must completely get rid of negative manifestations and be filled with virtue. This is the main purpose of the pre-Easter period of 48 days. During Lent, it is necessary to adhere to certain restrictions, follow all the commandments, pray and attend services.
Attention! There is a widespread misconception that Lent should last 40 days: as long as Jesus Christ spent in the wilderness. However, it must be borne in mind that 8 days are added to this, during which the Son of God was betrayed, captured by the Jews and crucified. This is the strictest period of Holy Week. Therefore, the full preparation for Easter takes exactly 48 days.
Every year, the Orthodox celebrate the feast of the Resurrection of Christ at different times: in the middle or end of April, as well as in May. Depending on this, the dates of Great Lent also change. In 2017, it starts on February 27th. The Fortecost will end on April 15, and the next day, believers will begin to congratulate each other on the day of the Lord's Pascha.
Remember that fasting is not only abstinence from food, but also spiritual work.
A sincere desire to fast should not be contrary to common sense. It is not worth adhering to food restrictions for expectant and nursing mothers, children, the elderly, those who travel or are in prison, as well as people with various chronic diseases (for example, gastritis or cholecystitis, anemia, etc.). For these categories, a rigid diet can be dangerous. But even if a person does not belong to such a risk group, he should still undergo a medical examination on the eve of fasting and make sure that such abstinence does not harm his health.
Advice. If, due to poor health, you cannot fast, concentrate on fulfilling God's commandments and cleansing your soul with prayer.
How to Eat During Lent
All traditions for a person who has dedicated his life to serving God are described in a special church charter - a typikon. There are also detailed recommendations on nutrition in the days of Great Lent:
Advice. In order not to get confused about what and when you are allowed to eat, use the food calendar for each day of fasting.
What can be prepared from "lean" products:
- various cereals;
- mashed potatoes, beans and peas;
- fried potatoes, including mushrooms (on days when it is allowed to cook with butter);
- vegetable salads, soups and stews;
- carrot or cabbage cutlets (steamed or in the oven, and on days allowed for oil - in a pan);
- fruit salads, juices, etc.
It is allowed to eat various pickles - for example, cucumbers or sauerkraut, as well as honey, nuts, dark chocolate and dried fruits. Of the drinks, the taboo is not imposed on tea, coffee, jelly, compote. You can drink cocoa, but only without milk or with its coconut or soy substitute.
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Many adhere to the rules of nutrition, refuse excesses. The meaning of abstinence lies in the purification of the spirit, the development of spiritual life, the purification of thoughts, deliverance from everyday fuss, familiarization with the spiritual example of Christ.
The Essence of Cleansing
Great Lent 2020 recalls the forty-day cleansing of Christ the Savior in the wilderness, it recalls the last days of his life, suffering, death, and burial. He gave a clear example that the devil can be driven out by prayers and observance of Great Lent, in particular, in 2020.
For all Orthodox, the beginning of Lent in 2020 is March 11. It lasts until April 27th. Heralds the Easter holiday, for which they prepare their soul and body.
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Compliance service as note
Purification has four periods and lasts 48 days. The following calendar periods of Lent 2020 are distinguished.
- Lasts forty days. It's called the Forty Day. Characterized by strict abstinence. The main goal is cleansing from sins, focusing on the spiritual, on prayers, chanting. All undergo abstinence, which humbles the flesh.
- Starts on the sixth Saturday. It is called Lazarus Saturday. Time before Palm Sunday. Aimed at remembering the miracle of Christ on the resurrection of Lazarev. Then there is Palm Saturday. In the evening, the Annunciation is held, consecration with holy water.
- Begins on the sixth Sunday. Palm Sunday is the entry of the Lord into Jerusalem. Ceremonies are performed with willow. The holiday indicates the revival of nature, spirit. There are many traditions associated with this holiday.
- Passion Week.
What's happening in the last week?
Holy Week is the last period. The days are called Great: Great Monday, Great Thursday.
- Monday is the preparation of housing for the holiday.
- On Tuesday, laundry is washed and ironed.
- The next day completes the chores. The house must be completely clean, the garbage is thrown out. Eggs for Easter eggs must be prepared, materials for painting them are prepared.
- Thursday is the maximum number of rituals, the corresponding signs and traditions. Easter cakes are being baked. Before baking, be sure to pray passionately.
- Good Friday is known for not eating. Singing, listening to music, housework is prohibited. Violation of the prohibition is considered a major sin.
- Holy Saturday is one of the busiest days. hostesses prepare dinner, prepare pysanky.
As already mentioned, fasting is spiritual cleansing and preparation for Easter. Spiritual preparation consists of prayers, reading spiritual books, research, atonement for sins, sinful thoughts. All actions are directed at the thoughts of God. The bodily preparation is the abstinence from non-lean food.
Since the days of abstinence are a time of great repentance, the following is forbidden.
- Refusal of established chants on weekdays. Each hymn is filled with joy and triumph.
- It is forbidden to celebrate the days of saints on weekdays. All holidays are transferred to weekends.
- Celebrations on the occasion of marriage, weddings, celebrations of birthdays are prohibited.
- Bodily intimacy and foul language are considered sin.
Compliance with the rules of nutrition
Using the calendar helps to follow the rules of nutrition: it explains on which days food is allowed to be consumed. If you have not fasted before, then you should fast very carefully. All stages are introduced gradually. Sudden rejection of habitual foods can lead to health complications. Animal protein should be completely replaced with vegetable protein. Main products: legumes, nuts, dried fruits and mushrooms.
Children, people suffering from chronic diseases, as well as diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, pregnant women and breastfeeding are exempted from strict fasting. We offer basic recommendations on what is allowed and not recommended on abstinence days.
The following foods are prohibited:
- All meals that include animal protein.
- Dairy products, even powdered milk.
- Egg powder, a food that includes eggs.
- Fish, fish products (exceptions are days when consumption is allowed).
- Oil of vegetable origin, except for the days when you can use it.
- Alcohol, sweets, carbonated drinks. The exception is some days, as well as red wine.
Wine, like vegetable oil, is not included in the general rules. They can be turned on on weekends. It is impossible only during Holy Saturday. Vegetable oil is consumed during the days of remembrance of the Great Saints. Fish can be eaten on the Annunciation of the Holy Mother of God. Fish caviar is introduced into the diet on the sixth Saturday.
List of products included in the allowed menu for Lent 2020.
- Homemade sourdough products and pickles.
- Pickled vegetables and fruits.
- Jam.
- Juices and compotes.
- Fresh fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, legumes, seeds.
- Greens in any form: fresh or dried.
- Spices are allowed.
- Mayonnaise, yogurt, milk and cheese, in which the main ingredient is soy.
- Any bakery products and bread. Exception: muffin, white flour products.
- Cereals.
Strict days are considered to be the first four weeks, Holy Week. You can not eat on the first day of Lent 2020, as well as during Good Friday. The diet of the first Friday of Lent: boiled wheat sweetened with sugar, honey. Hot food is consumed on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Separate calendars of Great Lent for 2020 nutrition by day are issued. Also learn about and download our free .
Important calendar days
An important first day of Lent. The people have the name clean: people actively use water procedures, often change linen. Formerly it was customary to abstain from food. On Clean Monday, it is customary to rinse your mouth to wash away the traces of food eaten during Shrovetide. 
On Friday of the first week, it is customary to eat consecrated wheat porridge sweetened with honey.
On Saturday, it is customary to mourn at the end of Maslenitsa. In the morning, lean pancakes are prepared in vegetable oil.
The first Sunday is the day of the Triumph of Orthodoxy. The veneration of the icons of saints is sung, victories over the opponents of Orthodoxy are remembered.
Forgiveness Sunday
The last Sunday before Lent is Forgiveness. That's when the Maslenitsa week ends. Before starting the fast, you must finally prepare for this test. It is customary for Orthodox Christians to ask each other for forgiveness for their sins and atrocities. Forgiveness promotes concentration on the spiritual realm of life. The man is preparing for the main confession. In addition, it is customary to commemorate the dead, go to the cemetery, clean the graves.
When holding a festive dinner, leftover food is burned. Thus, with a pure soul and heart, everyone begins to observe Great Lent in 2020. Traditionally, the rite of forgiveness is performed.
Lent is the main fast for Christians, regardless of denomination. Of course, the Russian reader is primarily interested in the Orthodox Great Lent and its features. Great Lent in 2017: what date it starts, what date it ends, what can be done these days and what not.
Lent in 2017: what date does it start
Great Lent lasts for the seven weeks that precede the celebration of Easter. As you know, Easter is movable, the date of which is calculated separately for each year. Accordingly, the dates of Great Lent are different every year.
It should be recalled that the week that precedes Lent is traditionally given over to the celebration of Maslenitsa - in fact, the pagan holiday of the Slavs, which has found a place for itself in the official church calendar and feels great in such conditions. In 2017 it will be held from 20 to 26 February.
A week before Shrovetide - preparatory, meat and fish dishes alternate every other day.
In 2017, Lent will last from February 27 to April 15, Easter services will be held on the night of April 16, and the Orthodox will celebrate Sunday April 16.
Lent 2017: meals by day
Fasting is associated with abstinence from food and worldly passions, this is a time of prayer and reflection. Limiting oneself in food is not the most important attribute, it is just one of the most noticeable. Refusal of food has a specific purpose - it helps to cleanse the body and, as a result, the mind, mobilizes the body and makes thinking more clear. Refusal of food is only a means to achieve a certain religious enlightenment, a way to pacify oneself and one's natural urges, the development of the will. Abstinence from food should not be an end in itself, it is a limited and inherently wrong view of fasting.
For many centuries, a certain diet has been developed, which must be followed by everyone who fasts. Fasting in the first and last of the seven weeks is especially strict with regard to food. So, on the very first day you can’t eat at all, on the second day only bread and clean water are allowed. A complete refusal of food is also provided for the last Friday of Lent, which is called Good.
During fasting, there is a complete ban on eating meat and an almost complete ban on eating fish. The emphasis is on food that is of plant origin. It is permissible to eat fish only on Palm Sunday (a week before Easter), as well as on the Annunciation, if it does not fall on the last week of Lent. In 2017, the Annunciation, which is always celebrated on April 7, falls on the penultimate week of Lent, so fish is allowed on this day. On Lazarus Saturday (Saturday of the sixth week of Lent), some fish caviar is allowed.
The main principle of the fasting diet in all other respects is as follows: on Monday, Wednesday and Friday in the evening you can eat cold food without oil, on Tuesday and Thursday - hot food without oil, also in the evening. On Saturday and Sunday, in addition to hot food, wine is allowed; you can eat twice a day.
The fasting diet in our country usually consists of dishes that are prepared on the basis of vegetable and fruit preparations of the previous summer, as well as carrots, cabbage, beets, canned green peas and other legumes, apples, oranges, nuts and dried fruits. Based on these products, there are a huge variety of different dishes. However, one should not get too carried away with tasty and interesting dishes, because, again, this will be a departure from the very idea of \u200b\u200bfasting. Meals should be simple and modest.
It is worth reminding those who are just joining the Christian faith and are going to keep the necessary fasts, including the Great Fast, that first of all, fasting should not be external, but internal. It is not enough to adhere to his external attributes, including the refusal of food. It is necessary to restructure your thoughts, it is especially important when observing a fast not to be proud of your righteousness and not to start feeling better and higher than those who do not fast. It is worth remembering this constantly and you need to catch yourself at the slightest manifestation of such pride and complacency, since such impulses are much worse and more sinful than non-observance of fasting. The feeling of one's own superiority is nothing but pride, and it is one of the most terrible human sins that are described by the Christian religion.