The deacon spoke about fasting and divine services on Epiphany Eve

Epiphany Eve in 2026 falls on Sunday, January 18. Daniel Pronin, deacon and choir director, told Izvestia about this. According to him, this gives believers the opportunity to attend worship services without haste and observe the church tradition.

According to Pronin, Epiphany Eve in 2026 falls on a Sunday, which allows believers to attend divine services and better understand the history and meaning of the holiday. On the eve of Christmas Eve, he recommends putting the house in order, and on the day itself, visit your loved ones and treat them to juice. In addition, fasting is prescribed on this day.

"Fasting is not a diet. It is designed as a self-improvement exercise. Food restriction is something that almost everyone can do. It is much easier to limit yourself to eating than to struggle with your passions. Because every passion in a person is strong, that you can fight it all your life and never eradicate it. Therefore, the times of fasting are given to us so that we can try to make our soul a little cleaner at least for a short time a year," explained Pronin.

On Epiphany Eve, they traditionally eat sochivo, a lean dish that was originally prepared from wheat and other cereals. Over time, the recipe has received various variations, including the addition of rice and raisins. The second name of this dish is kutia.

According to Pronin, believers are advised to determine the measure of fasting individually, discussing it with a priest if necessary. At the same time, allowances are provided for those who are just starting to fast.

The deacon reminded that strict dietary restrictions do not apply to pregnant women, people with a number of diseases and those who need animal products for health reasons or working conditions. According to him, the church proceeds from the principle of a reasonable measure and does not require fasting to the detriment of health.

For more information about Epiphany Eve, see the Izvestia article.

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