Fasting & Abstinence

The Western Tradition

Orthodox churches in the Western tradition adhere to the discipline of fasting and abstinence according to the Latin tradition. These fasts include the Eucharistic Fast, the Advent and Lenten Fasts, and Fasts before select Major Feasts.

Holy Incarnation Orthodox Church follows the prescriptions for this fast as directed in the annual Ordo of the Western Rite Vicariate of the Self-Ruled Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America.

The Eucharistic Fast

Orthodox Christians in the Western tradition prepare for Sunday Mass by maintaining the Eucharistic fast.

The Eucharistic Fast consists of taking in no food or drink (excepting water and medicines) from midnight until the reception of Holy Communion.

When Mass is celebrated in the evenings during the week, the Eucharistic Fast may be modified as follows: the communicant eats his midday meal as close to noon as possible, and then takes no food or drink (excepting water and medicines) until the reception of Holy Communion.

Seasonal Fasts

Orthodox Christians in the Western tradition keep the two chief Seasonal Fasts: the Advent Fast and the Lenten Fast. Below are the specific guidelines for these fasts.

Fasts before Select Major Feasts

Orthodox Christians in the Western tradition fast and abstain from flesh meats on the day before these Major Feasts: