Orthodox from year to year sacredly observe various holidays, including both long and short. You can learn about the time when the Assumption fast begins , and how to eat properly during it, from the special calendar that is in Orthodox churches. In it, the churchmen describe in detail the rules for observing this short period.
History of the Assumption Lent
In the first centuries of Christianity, the Assumption Post was already recognized. Even Pope Saint Leo I the Great (who was at the head of the church for 21 years - from 440 to 461) clearly indicated the dates when the Assumption of Lent begins. Even then, he was on the list of 4 most important Orthodox holidays.
But finally it was installed only in 1166. It was marked by the famous Constantinople Cathedral. Then a holiday was chosen, to which this period is timed.
Beginning of the Assumption Lent
Information from which date the Assumption Lent begins can be remembered once and for all, because it, unlike many other Orthodox dates, does not change. Fasting begins on August 14th. It is quite short and lasts only 2 weeks. Ends on the 27th of the same month. In 2016, the beginning and end of the post are on weekends. This is incredibly convenient, because it’s easier to change your mode.
The name of this summer holiday appeared thanks to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. As a matter of fact, it was to him that the post was confined. The celebration falls on August 28 - the day after a period of restrictions. This is the only post dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
The time when the Assumption of Fast begins begins is marked by the triumph of the Origin of the Honest Trees of the Life-giving Cross of the Lord. This celebration is accompanied by a procession of the Cross and the consecration of various places. It is assumed that such events will be able to prevent or relieve diseases, if treated with great faith.
The beginning of the fast falls on another big Orthodox holiday - Honey saved. From this day, people who observe church rules are blessed to eat honey.
Fasting Meals
State of mind is the most important when fasting. The priests say that it is necessary to devote maximum time to prayer, to behave diligently and to serve for God's sake.
But nutrition is also extremely important. Moreover, this post is one of the 4 most stringent, and the churchmen equate it with the Great because of the need for restrictions. That is why fasting people are advised to abandon meat and dairy products, as well as eggs.
But the list of allowed products is quite large, and includes:
- fruits,
- vegetables,
- decoctions
- teas
- compotes
- gray bread
- honey,
- mushrooms
- cereals
- nuts.
For all the time when the Assumption of Fast begins and ends, you can eat only the above products.
Detailed daily food
There are restrictions on nutrition and on the days of the week. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, for example, have fasting people - this is the time when you need to adhere to a raw food diet. On this day, you should be content only with fruits and vegetables, dried fruits and nuts, as well as honey. It is forbidden to use vegetable oil.
Tuesday and Thursday are hot meal times, but adding oil is also prohibited.
Saturday and Sunday are the easiest days. At this time, all of the above products with the addition of oil are allowed. Wine is also allowed.
A slight relaxation and removal of restrictions is possible for:
In addition, fish are allowed on the day of the Transfiguration of the Lord, which is celebrated on August 19.
True, nutrition experts do not recommend strictly sticking to fasting for the first time. So you can only spoil your well-being without receiving spiritual cleansing. Priests also argue that for any health problems it is better to keep fasting not to strictly and intensely pray, because mental restraint is much more important than bodily restriction. Based on this, even on days when only a raw food diet is allowed, you can eat hot food, and sometimes add oil. The main prohibited products are still worth giving up.
Additional restrictions during fasting
The Assumption Post begins on August 14. Throughout this period, the church does not welcome any celebrations. And the wedding is on this list. It is recommended to devote this time to prayers, take care of bodily and spiritual purification, and not indulge in entertainment.
By the way, the holiday of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is interpreted as an opportunity to get rid of the fear of death. According to the legend, Virgin Mary knew in advance about the time of her transition to another world. Therefore, she decided to prepare for him with intensified prayer and fasting. And this despite the fact that her whole life was a model of sacrifice.
The time when the Assumption of Lent begins is one of the most significant for the Orthodox. During this period, the churchmen try to observe all the traditions and restrictions associated with the holiday.