The Coptic Orthodox Fasting Schedule

Coptic Fasting Seasons

The Coptic Orthodox Church guided by the Holy Spirit ordained the following days to be days of fasting, to not only abstain from the eating of meat and dairy products, but strengthen our resistance from all desires that would gain control over us.

1. First Degree of Fasting (strict)
Fasting and abstaining from desire from midnight to sunset. Other than this, is to be discussed with your father of confession. Saturday & Sunday, no abstain, yet still no meat or dairy products.


	The Coptic Orthodox Schedule on Fasts and the Type of Fasts
*Coptic Fasting Seasons* The Coptic Orthodox Church guided by the Holy Spirit ordained the following days to be days of fasting, to not only abstain from the eating of meat and dairy products, but strengthen our resistance from all desires that would gain control over us. 1. First Degree of Fasting (strict) Fasting and abstaining from desire from midnight to sunset. Other than this, is to be discussed with your father of confession. Saturday & Sunday, no abstain, yet still no meat or dairy products.

			a. The Holy Lent Season: Its days are 55 days: 7 days of preparation, 40 days as the Lord Christ fasted (40 days and forty nights), and the 7 days of Paschal Worship. b. Fasting on Wednesday and Friday: Every week of the year except during the Pentecost Season (50 days following Resurrection). During the Pentecost Season it is not allowed to fast or do matenias ('prostrating oneself to the ground as a sign of repentance and honor to God'). c. The fast of Nineveh or (Jonah the Prophet): Three days of fasting usually lie in February, two weeks before Lent, to remember the mercy of God on the people of Nineveh and their repentance that was brought by Jonah the Prophet. d. Days of Preparation ('paramoan'): The day preceding any of the Lord Christ major feasts is Paramoan, preparation for the feast and the Church ordained that you prepare for the feast by fasting.
2. Second Degree Fasting Fasting and abstaining from desire from midnight to 3:00 PM. Other than this, is to be discussed with your father of confession. Saturday & Sunday, no abstaining, yet still no meat or dairy products. Fish is permitted.
		a. The fast of the Apostles: It is considered one of the most important fasts, because when the Lord was asked why your disciples do not fast like the disciples of John the Baptist and the Pharisees, He replied that it is not proper for the children of the wedding to fast, but when the groom is lifted away (ascended to heaven) then they fast. The fast of the Apostles starts on the day following the day of Pentecost, and ends on July 12th, the feast of the Apostles, which is the commemoration of the Martyrdom of Sts Peter and Paul the heads of the Apostles; Peter being the Apostle to the Jews, and Paul being the Apostle to the Gentiles (non-Jews). The Apostles fast floats in date and number of days, but always ends on July 12th. b. The Fast of the Virgin Mary: Starts on August 7th and Ends on August 22nd (15 days). The end of the Holy Virgin Fast is the celebration of the Ascension of her holy body to heaven as detailed in the tradition of the Church. c. The Advent Fast: It is 43 days, the season starts on November 25th and Ends on the Eve of January 7th, the Birth of Christ (Christmas/Nativity). Advent fasting is for the Church (believers) to prepare ourselves for the coming of the Savior.