More than 90 percent of Greeks are members of the Greek Orthodox Church, and faith plays an important role in Greek life. The Greek Orthodox faith observes several fasts during the year, which means abstinence from foods derived from animals containing red blood (cephalopods are allowed, since they do not have red blood), from dairy products, and at times from olive oil, and wine as well. Strict observers of all fasting periods and fast days will follow these guidelines for over 180 days a year. Total fasting (no food at all) is reserved for a period of time before taking Holy Communion. Foods allowed during fast periods are called nistisima (pronounced nee-STEE-see-mah) and they are eaten during the Great Lent and other fasts.
Major Fasting Periods
There are four major fasts during the year:
The Great Lent, which begins on a Monday, seven weeks before Easter. This Monday, called Kathari Theftera (pronounced kah-thah-REE thehf-TEH-rah), translates to Clean Monday. Fasting restrictions are eased on weekends (not abandoned), and Lazarus Saturday and Palm Sunday (the weekend before Easter), no restrictions apply.
Fast of the Apostles, which lasts from one to six weeks, begins on a Monday, eight days after Pentecost, and ends on June 28th, the day before the feast day of Saints Peter and Paul.
Fast of the Dormition of the Theotokos (Mary, Mother of God), from August 1st to 14th.
Christmas Fast, from November 15th to December 24th.
Individual Fast Days
January 5th - eve of the Theophany (Epiphany),
August 29th - the Beheading of St. John the Baptist,
September 14th - the feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross, and
Wednesdays and Fridays.
Days When Fasting is Not Permitted
between Christmas and Theophany,
the 10th week before Easter,
the week after Easter, and
the week after Pentecost.
Source: The Greek Orthodox Diocese of America2009 Greek Orthodox Calendar
Theophany**
January 6
Triodion Begins
February 8
Saturday of Souls
February 21
Sunday of the Last Judgment (Meatfare Sunday)
February 22
Sunday of Forgiveness (Cheesefare Sunday)
March 1
Clean Monday (Lent Begins)
March 2
Sunday of Orthodoxy
March 8
Annunciation
March 25
Lazarus Saturday
April 11
Palm Sunday
April 12
Great and Holy Friday
April 17
Orthodox Easter Sunday (Pascha)
April 19
Holy Ascension
May 28
Saturday of Souls
June 6
Pentecost
June 7
All Saints Day
June 14
Transfiguration
August 6
Dormition of the Theotokos*
August 15
Nativity of the Theotokos*
September 8
Exaltation of the Holy Cross
September 14
Presentation of the Theotokos* to the Temple
November 21
Nativity of Christ (Christmas)
December 25
* Theotokos: Mary, Mother of God ** Theophany: Epiphany
By Nancy Gaifyllia
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