When does Petrov’s fast begin and how many days does it last? History and essence of Petrov’s fast Traditions in Petrov’s fast How to properly prepare for fasting What can you eat during Petrov’s fast Nutrition calendar during Petrov’s fast What can and cannot be done during Petrov’s fast Petrov’ It is possible to marry and get married during the fast of
When does Peter’s fast begin and how many days does it last?
Peter’s Fast (also known as Apostolic Fast, Pentecostal Fast, Petrine Fast, Petrovka) precedes the observance of the commemoration of the Apostles Peter and Paul, which is celebrated on July 12.
“This fast is called the Apostle Fast because it is mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles that they fasted when they gathered in Jerusalem on the feast of Pentecost. alias Trinityand then he went out to preach. In memory of this, Peter’s fast was established,” Nikolai Savchenko (Father Nikolai), priest of the Church of Metropolitan Peter of Moscow in St. Petersburg, told socialbites.ca.
Announced the start date of the fast last: starts in a week TripleIts date is tied to Easter. Therefore, the duration of Petrov’s fast is also different every year.
“The end of the Petrine Fast always falls on July 12, the day of remembrance of the apostles Peter and Paul. That’s why he’s called Petrov. If Easter is delayed, as it was this year, the fast may last a little longer, up to 10 days. If Easter comes early, the fast will be long and last up to six weeks,” the priest explained.
History and essence of Peter’s Fast
The Peter’s Fast was first mentioned in the “Apostolic Scriptures” written by the Roman Hippolytus of the 3rd century. At that time it was not yet associated with Peter and Paul and was called the Pentecostal fast. It was originally intended for believers who were unable to observe Lent for any reason (for example, due to serious illness or pregnancy). Later, when Peter and Paul Day became one of the most revered church holidays, this post received its current name.
The establishment of Peter’s fast dates back to the early days of the Christian Church. It was founded in the 4th century (324) in Constantinople and Rome, when churches were erected in honor of the holy great apostles Peter and Paul, under the leadership of St. Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine the Great.
The consecration of the temple of Constantinople took place on the day of commemoration of the apostles, June 29 (old style, July 12 in the new style), and since then this day has become solemn for all Christian believers.
The essence of Peter’s Fast is to help believers prepare for the day of remembrance of the holy apostles, who themselves fasted before setting out to preach Christianity to the whole world.
Fasting is necessary not only for “physical” cleansing, but also for spiritual cleansing. The important thing is not only to give up some foods, but also to eliminate destructive emotions and devote more time to prayers and good deeds. Christians believe that fasting helps a person feel oneness with God.
“The last week before Peter’s Lent is Trinity week – there is no fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays. And the Sunday on which the Lent of Peter begins is All Saints’ Sunday. It is believed that this is like the second day of the angel for all believers,” said Father Nikolai.
Petrov’s traditions are fast
Nikolai Savchenko noted that the Apostolic fast is considered a time of spiritual repentance, prayer and devotion to God. During Lent, believers perform a number of religious duties, including attending church, attending religious services, and focusing on prayer, repentance, and abstinence. Consumption of meat and dairy products, eggs and alcohol is excluded or limited from the diet.
“You should try to fast during Peter’s Lent. At this time, hard agricultural work was usually done, such as cutting hay, collecting hay, stacking and carrying it to the haystacks. The hardest part is mowing. Sometimes it was necessary to mow a lot of grass under the hot sun. Women and children gathered hay. A long day predicted a long day of work until sunset. So, in those times in ancient times they asked the Lord God for strength for hard work. Laziness was considered the most terrible thing these days. Of course, it is new that most of us now have the opportunity to relax during the summer months. But if a person worked all year long, why shouldn’t he rest? But when resting, you need to know when to stop, not abuse the relaxation and not allow weaknesses,” the priest said about the traditions of Peter’s Fast.
How to prepare correctly for fasting
A week or two before the start of the St. Peter’s Fast, it is necessary to facilitate the work of the body in order not to harm your health. According to the priest, “you should not eat beforehand” because this can make the situation worse.
In preparation for fasting, it is recommended to:
- consume less meat and dairy products;
- focus on greens, vegetables and fruits;
- Drink more water to improve digestion and reduce discomfort from changing your diet.
What can you eat during St. Peter’s Fast?
Father Nikolai explained that compared to Lent, Petrov is not so strict when it comes to food restrictions. During this period, you should only give up meat and dairy products.
“Petrov’s post is the easiest of all posts. You can consume fish, but you should stay away from dairy products and especially meat products. In the old days, this fast was not easy for the peasants, because by that time all the grains and all vegetables from the previous harvest had been eaten and sown in the spring, and there was no new harvest yet. At the same time, the cows on the lush green grass were already giving plenty of milk and the chickens were giving eggs. But these are just fast products Dairy and meat products not eaten during fastingsocialbites.ca’s interlocutor stated that we should avoid this.
Petrovsky fast diet calendar
Mondays Hot foods without vegetable oil are allowed. These days you can prepare various soups and cereals, cook potatoes or pasta.
Tuesdays A slight relaxation is allowed. You can eat mushrooms, fish, cook hot food with vegetable oil.
Wednesdays – dry food. Bread, nuts, dried fruits, berries, fruits, vegetables. Everything in its natural form, without heat treatment or oil. Vegetable or fruit salads without dressing are allowed.
on Thursdays Hot foods containing vegetable oil and fish are allowed.
on Fridays – dry eating.
Saturdays and Sundays – hot dishes with fish and vegetable oils. Wine is also acceptable, but in small quantities.
It is worth remembering that during fasting the main thing is not food restriction. If you cannot fast completely for health reasons, you can ask the priest for prayers to avoid fasting.
Who cannot fast?
There are several categories of people who are allowed to rest during fasting:
- pregnant woman;
- breastfeeding mothers;
- minors;
- people with serious medical diagnoses;
- military personal;
- workers engaged in heavy physical labor.
What you can and can’t do on Peter’s Fast
Fasting is not just about dietary restrictions. It is more important to pay attention to the purity of the soul. The church does not impose specific prohibitions during the fasting period, but Orthodox believers still try to comply with certain traditions and rules.
During the Peter Fast you should:
- Giving up bad habits. Large amounts of alcohol are not consumed during fasting. You can try quitting smoking and spending less time on social networks.
- Visit the church. If there is a need, you can confess or receive communion. It also wouldn’t hurt to attend a few church services.
- Be alone. The people have developed the tradition of not arranging noisy festivities and celebrations on Petrov days or any fasting days. You can devote this time completely to yourself and your thoughts and analyze your actions.
According to popular belief, during Peter’s Lent you can’t cut your hair. This superstition dates back to ancient times, and according to it, cutting your hair during Lent will bring unhappiness for many years to come. Also during this period do not borrow or lendOtherwise, financial problems will begin. It is forbidden doing handicrafts, sewing and embroidering – According to superstition, the person who violates the ban will “sewer” his happiness and bring disaster upon himself.
But closer to the feast of Peter and Paul, which falls on July 12, you can and should do a general cleaning of the house in order to clean up and put the house in order before an important church holiday.
Is it possible to get married during St. Peter’s Fast?
It is not forbidden to celebrate marriage in the registry office, but according to church rules it is still better to postpone the magnificent celebration. Faith says: Young people who marry during this period will quickly break up or become unhappy. Moreover, according to Nikolai Savchenko, during Peter’s fast, newlyweds will not be able to get married.
“Weddings are not held during Lent. “A wedding should always be planned before or after the fast,” the priest concluded.