Uspensky Post Food Calendar: what you can and can't eat in 2025
The Dormition Fast is one of four multi—day fasts in the Orthodox tradition, which is celebrated annually in August. It is a time of spiritual purification and preparation for the great feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos. During this time, believers will observe dietary and lifestyle restrictions. About when the Dormition Fast will begin, what can and cannot be eaten during lent, how to make a proper diet and what traditions it is important to observe so that fasting becomes a time of bodily and spiritual growth — in the material of Izvestia.
When is the Dormition Fast in 2025
The date of the Dormition Fast does not depend on the number of Easter celebrations or other mobile church holidays. The fast will begin on Thursday, August 14, and end on Wednesday, August 27, on the eve of the feast of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is celebrated on August 28. The fast lasts exactly two weeks, which makes it the shortest of the multi-day Orthodox fasts. However, it is comparable in severity to Lent, requiring significant abstinence from believers.
Important dates during the Dormition Fast:
— August 19 — Transfiguration of the Lord (Apple Savior), when indulgence in nutrition is allowed;
— August 28 — Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the end of Lent.
These dates are unchanged from year to year, which allows believers to plan their meals and spiritual practices in advance.
What is the Dormition Fast?
The Dormition Fast was established in memory of the death of the Most Holy Theotokos, who, according to church tradition, prepared for her Dormition through prayer and fasting. This fast is a time of spiritual preparation for the holiday, when believers strive to purify their soul and body by focusing on prayer, repentance and good deeds. The Dormition fast is considered one of the strictest, second only to Great Lent in asceticism.
Historically, fasting appeared in the early Christian tradition and was finally fixed in the church calendar in the 5th century. His goal is not only food restriction, but also inner transformation. According to the priests, fasting is not a diet, but a spiritual discipline aimed at strengthening faith and combating sinful habits. That is why during the Dormition Fast, believers are advised to avoid not only certain foods, but also entertainment, quarrels and other activities that distract from spiritual life.
What is in the Dormition Fast
The Dormition Fast requires strict abstinence from certain foods. The basic principle is the rejection of food of animal origin, which makes the diet predominantly plant-based. However, the severity of the fast may vary depending on the day of the week and individual circumstances.
Permitted products:
— vegetables and fruits: potatoes, zucchini, cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, apples, pears, berries;
— cereals and cereals: buckwheat, rice, oatmeal, millet, pearl barley;
— legumes: beans, peas, lentils;
— mushrooms: champignons, oyster mushrooms, wild mushrooms;
— nuts and seeds: almonds, walnuts, sesame seeds, flax seeds;
— honey and dried fruits: raisins, dried apricots, prunes;
— vegetable oils: sunflower, olive oil (allowed on certain days);
— bread and pastries: lean bread, pita bread, tortillas without eggs and milk.
Prohibited products:
— meat and meat products: beef, pork, poultry, sausages;
— dairy products: milk, cheese, yogurt, cream, butter;
— eggs: in any form, including pastries and sauces;
— fish and seafood, except on August 19th;
— alcohol, especially strong drinks, on some days a small amount of wine is allowed.
A special indulgence in nutrition is provided on August 19, the feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. On this day, it is allowed to eat fish and seafood, as well as some wine. This is due to the tradition of consecrating fruits (apples, grapes), which become the central element of the meal.
Who can skip fasting?
Strict nutrition rules are not mandatory for everyone. The Church allows allowances for certain categories of people. Among them are pregnant and lactating women, children under the age of 14, the elderly, believers with chronic diseases, military personnel and people engaged in heavy physical labor.
Before starting a fast, it is important to consult with a priest to determine the measure of fasting appropriate to your health and spiritual state.
The calendar of meals in the Dormition Fast
The calendar of meals in the Dormition fast is compiled taking into account the church charter, which distinguishes the degrees of rigor for monks and laypeople. For lay people, the rules are more lenient, but still require discipline.
August 14, the beginning of the fast, a strict meal — hot food without oil: soups, porridges, vegetables.
August 15, a strict day, without heat treatment — bread, vegetables, fruits, water.
August 16, softening of the fast, — hot food with butter: porridge, stewed vegetables.
August 17, softening of the fast, — hot food with butter: soups, mushrooms, porridges.
August 18 is a strict day for raw vegetables, fruits, and nuts.
August 19, Transfiguration of the Lord (Apple Savior) - fish, hot food with butter, wine.
August 20 is a strict day - bread, water, raw fruits, vegetables.
August 21 — hot food without butter: porridges, vegetable soups.
August 22 is a strict day for raw vegetables, fruits, and nuts.
August 23, softening of the fast, — hot food with butter: stewed vegetables, mushrooms.
August 24, softening of the fast, — hot food with butter: soups, porridges, vegetables.
August 25 is a strict day - bread, water, raw fruits, vegetables.
August 26 — hot food without butter: soups, stewed vegetables.
August 27, the last day of the fast, is raw vegetables, fruits, nuts.
After the end of the fast, it is important to return to a regular diet gradually. The first day after fasting, on August 28, it is recommended to start with light meals such as vegetable salads or lean meat to avoid stress on the stomach.
What can and cannot be done during the Dormition Fast
The Dormition Fast is not only about restrictions on food, but also a time for spiritual work. The Church encourages believers to focus on prayer, repentance and good deeds, avoiding worldly fuss.
What you can do:
— attend divine services: The Dormition Fast includes important church holidays, participation in liturgies and prayer services helps to better understand the meaning of fasting.;
— pray at home: reading morning and evening prayers, as well as akathists to the Blessed Virgin Mary;
— engage in charity: helping those in need, donating to a church, or participating in volunteer activities;
— consecrate fruits: on the Apple Feast, it is customary to bring apples, grapes and other fruits to the temple for consecration;
— reading spiritual literature: The Lives of saints, the Gospel, or the writings of the Holy Fathers will help deepen the understanding of faith.
What not to do:
— arrange lavish feasts: even on relaxation days, excessive gluttony should be avoided;
— get married: During lent, the sacrament of marriage is not performed, as it is a time of abstinence, not celebrations.;
— participate in entertainment: attending noisy events, concerts or parties is contrary to the spirit of fasting;
— Quarreling and judging: Lent is a time for reconciliation and forgiveness, so it's important to avoid conflict and backbiting.;
— work in the field on Assumption Day: folk tradition says that August 28 is a day of rest dedicated to the Mother of God.
The priests emphasize that the main goal of the Dormition fast is not restriction in food, but purification of the soul. Fasting helps believers to escape from the daily hustle and bustle, focus on prayer and reflect on their spiritual path.
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