The Apostles’ Fast (also called the Fast of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul or Apostolic Fast) is an Orthodox fasting period that honors the missionary work, sacrifice, and faith of the holy apostles. The fast is a time for prayer, repentance, and spiritual preparation as the faithful reflect on the apostles’ dedication to spreading the Gospel.
The beginning of the fast depends on the date of Pascha (Easter), so its length varies each year. It begins on the Monday after the Sunday of All Saints and continues until the Feast of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul.
On the Revised Julian (Gregorian) calendar, the fast ends on June 29. On the Old Julian calendar, it concludes on July 12.
The fasting rules during this period are generally lighter than during Great Lent. Meat, dairy, and eggs are avoided, but fish, wine, and oil are often permitted on many days, except on Wednesdays and Fridays when the fast is stricter.
