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Petrov fast is one of the summer fasts. He prepares Christians for the day of remembrance of the holy supreme apostles Peter and Paul, the celebration of which falls on July 12.
A week (7 days) after Trinity, the Apostolic Fast begins. He is also called Petrov. It was created in honor of the two most revered apostles Peter and Paul by the Slavs.
In ancient times, this ritual was called the fast of Pentecost. It is worth noting that it was adhered to in the early times of the Orthodox Church. It was more firmly established during the erection of the Temple of Constantinople in Rome, namely 337.
The consecration of this temple was held on June 29 according to the new style, which is July 12 - the date on which Peter and Paul are celebrated. By the way, this date is the end of the post. When does Peter's Fast begin? — Its beginning does not have a fixed date. Therefore, how long Peter's Fast will last depends on the day of Easter celebration. It can last from one to six weeks.
What is there in Petrov fast
Many believers who adhere to fasts are interested in the question of what they can eat during Peter’s Fast. The following foods are allowed to be consumed on these days:
- On Mondays you can eat hot food. But at the same time, you cannot use vegetable or butter to prepare it. You should also not eat milk, meat or fish.
- On days such as Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, it is recommended to eat dishes prepared from cereals, vegetables, fish, and mushrooms.
- On Wednesday and Friday, adhere to strict fasting. During this period, it is recommended to eat cold, raw food.
It was during this period that all the housewives took out the pickles and preserves prepared last year from the cellars. They serve as the basis for preparing many dishes. It is quite easy to adhere to the apostolic fast. Moreover, it falls in the summer, when there are a lot of fresh vegetables in the garden, and there are already fruits in the garden.
On strict days you should eat exclusively raw food. To do this, you can prepare salads, seasoning them with lemon juice, for example. You can also use all kinds of herbs and greens to maintain health.
What you can’t eat on Petrov Fast
It is also worth noting that, despite the fact that this fast is quite mild, there are still strict restrictions on food intake.
- This primarily applies to alcoholic beverages. It is also worth giving up bad habits.
- You cannot prepare dishes that contain products such as meat, milk and eggs.
In principle, today the church allows people not to strictly adhere to the general rules of fasting. The most important thing is to understand that fasting exists in order to cleanse yourself of negative energy, cleanse your mind and spirit. If a person continues to hold any evil in his soul and continues to do bad deeds, then there is no point in fasting. As they say during Lent, the main thing is “not to eat your loved ones.”
Unction on St. Peter's Fast
After fasts such as Petrov, Uspensky, Rozhdestvensky and others, many churches hold fasts. It is also called unction. This is a Sacrament in which, when anointing with oil, the grace of God is invoked on the sick person. She is able to heal a person from mental and physical weakness.
It must be said that the custom of unction has existed since the first decades of the existence of the Christian Church. By the way, a person in serious condition can be given unction at home or in a hospital. However, it is not necessary to adhere to the posts.
Is it possible to get married on Petrov Fast?
It must be said that modern youth adheres little to traditions. Therefore, more and more often we can see weddings in Lent. Of course, this may also be a consequence of ignorance of traditions. But, despite this, it is believed that a wedding on Peter’s Fast will not bring happiness to family life.
As older, believing people say, weddings during Apostolic Lent are empty. There will be no harmony in the family that was formed during this period and it is doomed to rapid disintegration.
Also, the church does not hold wedding ceremonies during the summer fast. You should also not hold a wedding ceremony for other reasons. The Church prohibits festivities and fun during any period of fasting. Therefore, even if you set a wedding day for fasting, the friends who adhere to it may not come to your celebration. And especially since, according to many people, during the period of fasting a person is very much exposed to the negative influence of others.
Such as the evil eye, curse, bad word, etc. Therefore, before choosing a wedding date and inviting guests, maybe you should just think carefully and wait. Moreover, when Petrov's fast ends , The real wedding period begins. During which you can not only sign at the registry office, but also get married in the church. And the church, as you know, does not recognize marriage without a wedding.
The Lord is always with you!
Watch also the archpriest’s video story about what Peter’s Fast is:
Petrov fast is one of two summer fasts. It prepares Christians for the day of remembrance of the holy supreme apostles Peter and Paul (July 12) and was established in memory of how the apostles fasted before preaching Christianity to the whole world. We will talk about the rules and folk traditions of Peter's Fast.
How to fast on Peter's Fast
The beginning of Peter's Lent is always on Monday, a week after the holiday of Trinity (Pentecost). The date of Trinity depends on the date of Easter, so the beginning of Peter's Lent falls on different dates. And it can last from 8 to 42 days. Petrov's fast always ends on July 12th. This is the day of remembrance of the holy supreme apostles Peter and Paul. In honor of this holiday, the fast is called Petrov, or Apostolic. This year, Petrov's fast begins on June 24.
Petrov's Fast is not as strict as the Great Fast. On all days of fasting, except Wednesday and Friday, believers can eat fish. Those who are fasting cannot eat meat.
But even when starting such a fast, which is not the strictest, you need to consult with your confessor, and if you have any chronic diseases, with your attending physician. In general, laymen are not required to fast as strictly as monks. If for some reason you cannot follow all the rules of fasting (and the monastery Charter provides for more stringent rules, for example, dry eating (food without vegetable oil) on certain days of Peter's Fast), you will be able to limit yourself in other, non-gastronomic things. For example, during Lent, do not watch TV or use social networks on the Internet.
Petrov fast - what can you eat?
Petrov's fast is not strict. On all days of fasting, except Wednesday and Friday, believers can eat fish. Those who are fasting cannot eat meat.
To ensure that your meal is not harmful to your health and is truly lean, you can actively use vegetables, mushrooms, berries and fruits in your dishes. There is a huge variety of dishes for Peter's fast.
Fasting and pregnancy
Archpriest Igor FOMIN, rector of the Alexander Nevsky Church at MGIMO, talks about how pregnant and lactating women should fast during Peter’s Fast:
There are different spiritual practices of fasting, I will tell you about the one that developed at the parish of our church in the name of Alexander Nevsky at MGIMO. Pregnant and lactating women are exempt from gastronomic fasts, but are not exempt from spiritual fasts. What I mean - for example, fasting while watching TV, aimlessly reading Internet sites, and the like. And, of course, on Petrov and any other fast, any Christian should pray fervently.
If you want to learn in more detail how a pregnant and nursing woman should fast, or how to prepare for the Sacrament of Communion, consult your parish priest or confessor.
How to fast correctly?
Archpriest Igor FOMIN, rector of the Church of the Holy Blessed Prince Alexander Nevsky at MGIMO, answers:
This time it starts on Monday June 15th and ends on Saturday July 11th. It is very important to understand the meaning of fasting, and also to know what you can and cannot eat on a daily basis.
- Meaning
- Nutrition calendar
- Prohibitions
Meaning
It is now believed that the apostles Peter and Paul fasted in order to prepare for preaching the Gospel. Therefore, over time, this period of abstinence from modest food was established in memory of them.
Around the 3rd century, when mentions of fasting first began to appear, it was not associated with the apostles. He was considered a kind of “compensation” for Christians. That is, those who, for certain reasons, missed Lent before Holy Easter, received the opportunity after the end of the church series.
There is evidence that until about the year 1000, believers excluded July from it. Then its first part began to end on the 12th day, and the second formed the Assumption Fast, which began on August 14th.
Nutrition calendar
Peter's Fast is somewhat different from Great Lent, if only because it has much fewer restrictions on food. The diet contains all healthy foods for the body, with the exception of meat.1. Monday. At first (June 15, 22, 29, July 6) on this day of the week you will have to exclude fat from your diet. The menu should consist of bread, cereals, raw or stewed vegetables, and fruits. And already in July (2, 9) you are allowed to enjoy a small piece of fish.
2. Tuesday. Throughout Lent (June 16, 23, 30, July 7), the main products of Tuesday will be fish and seafood dishes. When cooking, they can be seasoned with sunflower oil.
3. Wednesday. On June 17 and July 24, when preparing Lenten dishes, a little vegetable oil is allowed (frying, dressing porridges, salads). On other dates (July 1, 8) - only baked goods without sugar, vegetables and fruits.
4. Thursday. These days (June 18, 25, July 2, 9), as on Tuesday, the main thing on the dinner table should be fish (even canned food). Cereals cooked in water, salads and seafood snacks seasoned with sunflower oil will serve well as a complement.
5. Friday. On June 19, 26 and July 3, 10, everything is the same as on Monday. Only uncooked food is allowed. If desired, you can add dried fruits, natural honey, and walnuts to bread, fresh vegetables and fruits.
6. Saturday (June 20, 27, July 4, 11) and Sunday (June 21, 28, July 5) can rightfully be considered more “free” days. In addition to fish and seafood, you are allowed to drink a little church wine.
Petrov's fast ends on July 11 - the day of Peter and Paul. It turns out that the strictest days will be Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Eating is allowed only once a day after 15:00. If it’s too difficult, then on Mondays you can cook hot first and second courses, naturally, without oil.
Prohibitions
During Petrov Fast you need not only to carefully select food products and prepare them properly, but also to monitor the size of the portions you eat. Frequent overeating is very harmful to the body.
In addition to meat products, alcohol is undesirable. This refers to vodka, beer, cocktails with a degree. But if any church holiday falls during this period, then you can drink a little wine. 
Petrov's fast allows you to cleanse yourself of negativity. All true Christian believers will certainly strictly observe every rule regarding food. With its help, it is possible to get rid of most bad habits.
Petrov's fast in 2018 lasts from June 4 to July 11. The fast before the day of Peter and Paul is not very strict. We will tell you what you can and cannot eat during the Petrine Fast, and we will also offer a nutrition calendar for the days of the Apostolic Fast, according to the monastery charter.
How to properly hold the Petrovsky fast in 2018
Peter's Fast was established to cleanse oneself after the celebration of Trinity before the day of Peter and Paul. The apostolic fast is not the strictest of the year. On many days you can eat fish, porridge with vegetable oil, and mushrooms.
Most people no longer doubt the beneficial effects of fasting on a person’s soul and body. Even secular doctors recommend fasting as a diet, noting that temporary abstinence from animal proteins and fats has a beneficial effect on the body. But for a believer, any fast, including Petrovsky, is, first of all, not a diet, but a spiritual feat.
Petrov fast in 2018: nutrition calendar by day
June Mon W Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 July Mon W Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 29 30 1 2
Attention! Below are the dietary rules for monks. They are more stringent than for lay people - ordinary people and contain six degrees of fasting. In modern monastic practice, it is possible to soften some nutritional standards.
Easter Today
June Mon W Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 July Mon W Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 29 30 1 2
What date is Petrov's fast in 2020?
It begins on Monday, the 57th day after Easter (a week after Trinity). The last day of fasting is July 11th. In 2020 it lasts 27 days: from June 15 to July 11.
People call this post Apostolic or Petrovka.
The essence of Petrov's fast
Petrov fast prepares Christians for the day of remembrance of the holy apostles Peter and Paul. It was installed in memory of how the apostles fasted before preaching Christianity. Its essence is to achieve self-improvement through voluntary abstinence. Through fasting, a person strives for spiritual and physical purity. Refusal of certain types of food, prayer, repentance, compassion and a humane attitude towards others helps to feel unity with God. Fasting also unites Christians and makes them feel part of the Church.
History of Petrov's Fast
The history of Peter's Fast goes back to the first centuries of Christianity. Initially, it was intended for people who, for some reason, could not fast during Lent. He was most revered in Constantinople and Rome, where churches were built and consecrated in honor of the apostles Peter and Paul. The final approval of the Apostolic Fast dates back to the end of the 4th - beginning of the 5th centuries. In Rus', the Petrov fast was introduced after the adoption of Christianity. He came to replace the pagan Kupala rituals.
Rules of conduct and traditions of Peter's Fast
Petrov's fast implies restrictions that are aimed at cleansing the body and soul of a person. During this period, it is necessary to abstain from certain types of food and daily activities that can lead to a sinful state.
- Meat, eggs and dairy products are excluded from the diet. On Wednesday and Friday it is also prohibited to eat fish and seafood, hot food seasoned with oil.
- Quitting alcohol and smoking. A small amount of wine is allowed on Saturday, Sunday and temple holidays.
- It is necessary to limit attendance at entertainment events. It is better to celebrate holidays in the family circle, without noisy feasts, dancing, songs and games.
- You should not allow bad thoughts, swear, quarrel with people around you, envy and judge.
- You should limit watching TV, using the Internet and social networks.
- According to church canons, the sacrament of marriage (wedding) is not performed during the period of fasting.
- It is forbidden to tell fortunes or perform magical rituals and ceremonies.
- Spouses are advised to refrain from intimate relationships and conceiving a child. It is permissible to perform marital duties by mutual consent.
What can you eat on Petrov fast: nutritional rules
Peter's Fast, unlike the Great Fast, is not so strict. During this period, you also cannot eat meat, dairy products, eggs, but fish is allowed on some days of the week. The basis of the Lenten table is greens and dishes made from them (cabbage soup, okroshka, botvinya), cereals, and berries.
During this fast, the consumption of hot food without oil is prescribed on Monday, fish is allowed on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, and dry eating (bread, water, salt, raw fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, nuts, honey) is allowed on Wednesdays and Fridays. Wine is allowed on weekends.
On the church holiday of the Nativity of John the Baptist (July 7), you can eat fish (regardless of what day of the week it falls on).
The Day of the Apostles Peter and Paul (July 12) is not included in Lent. However, if it falls on Wednesday or Friday, then it is fast (low degree of strictness - foods with oil and fish are allowed).
According to the monastic Charter, the above rules are mandatory for observance among monks. Laymen do not have to adhere to the strictness of fasting. Parishioners coordinate the nutrition calendar with spiritual mentors, taking into account all life circumstances, health conditions and body characteristics.
The article provides a calendar of the monastic Rules, which gives an idea of the degree of severity of fasting by day. Each person individually, together with his confessor, determines the degree of severity of his fast. People who have chronic diseases should first consult their doctor to prevent possible risks to the body.
For some categories of people, a relaxation of the fast is allowed: military personnel, students and people engaged in heavy physical labor. Pregnant and lactating women are exempt from gastronomic restrictions. It is better not to limit children to meat and dairy foods. Other dietary restrictions can be introduced for them. For example, give less sweets.
How to prepare and smoothly enter the fast
Petrov's fast is not strict. In the summer, there is an abundance of vegetables, fruits, and herbs on the tables, which allows you to eat varied and tasty without feeling hungry or uncomfortable. Petrov's fast does not require careful preparation, however, for people who are fasting for the first time or have a hard time with gastronomic restrictions, it is better to adhere to some rules:
- It is better to start preparing for fasting 1-2 weeks in advance. Gradually reduce meat and dairy products in your diet. Increase the proportion of vegetables and fruits.
- Accustom your body to fiber. The basis of a lean diet is plant foods, which contain dietary fiber in large quantities. To avoid discomfort associated with digestion, eat salads daily and add bran or fiber to prepared meals.
- Drink enough fluids. Drinking 1.5-2 liters of clean water daily will improve intestinal function, eliminate dehydration and experience less hunger.
- Maintain the balance of intestinal microflora. A sudden change in diet can disrupt the microflora. To populate the intestines with beneficial bacteria, consume fermented milk products daily: starter cultures, bifidoyogurts and kefirs, fermented baked milk, yogurt.
- Lenten foods are lower in calories. In order not to feel hungry in the first days of fasting, you can increase portions, add additional meals or snacks of fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
Who is allowed not to fast?
For physiological, medical and age-related reasons, it is better for children, the elderly, pregnant and lactating women, people with metabolic disorders, people with diabetes, people with digestive diseases, cancer patients, those suffering from kidney dysfunction, undergoing post-operative rehabilitation, people with chronic diseases and acute respiratory infections.
Nutrition calendar by day
for 6 degrees of fasting severity
| June 15 Mon | |
| June 16 W | |
| June 17 Wed | |
| June 18 Thu | Fish – you are allowed to enjoy fish and seafood dishes. |
| June 19 Fri | Dry eating is the consumption of uncooked food of plant origin: bread, water, salt, raw fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, nuts, honey. |
| June 20 Sat | Fish – you are allowed to enjoy fish and seafood dishes. |
| June 21 Sun | Fish – you are allowed to enjoy fish and seafood dishes. |
| June 22 Mon | Hot food without oil - boiled vegetable food without oil is allowed (porridge, soups, stewed vegetables, mushrooms). |
| June 23 W | Fish – you are allowed to enjoy fish and seafood dishes. |
| June 24 Wed | Dry eating is the consumption of uncooked food of plant origin: bread, water, salt, raw fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, nuts, honey. |
| June 25 Thu | Fish – you are allowed to enjoy fish and seafood dishes. |
| June 26 Fri | Dry eating is the consumption of uncooked food of plant origin: bread, water, salt, raw fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, nuts, honey. |
| June 27 Sat | Fish – you are allowed to enjoy fish and seafood dishes. |
| June 28 Sun | Fish – you are allowed to enjoy fish and seafood dishes. |
| June 29 Mon | Hot food without oil - boiled vegetable food without oil is allowed (porridge, soups, stewed vegetables, mushrooms). |
| June 30 W | Fish – you are allowed to enjoy fish and seafood dishes. |
| July 1 Wed | Dry eating is the consumption of uncooked food of plant origin: bread, water, salt, raw fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, nuts, honey. |
| July 2 Thu | Fish – you are allowed to enjoy fish and seafood dishes. |
| July 3 Fri | Dry eating is the consumption of uncooked food of plant origin: bread, water, salt, raw fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, nuts, honey. |
| July 4th Sat | Fish – you are allowed to enjoy fish and seafood dishes. |
| July 5 Sun | Fish – you are allowed to enjoy fish and seafood dishes. |
| July 6 Mon | Hot food without oil - boiled vegetable food without oil is allowed (porridge, soups, stewed vegetables, mushrooms). |
| July 7 W | Nativity of John the Baptist Fish – you are allowed to enjoy fish and seafood dishes. |
| July 8 Wed | Dry eating is the consumption of uncooked food of plant origin: bread, water, salt, raw fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, nuts, honey. |
| July 9 Thu | Fish – you are allowed to enjoy fish and seafood dishes. |
| July 10 Fri | Dry eating is the consumption of uncooked food of plant origin: bread, water, salt, raw fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, nuts, honey. |
| July 11 Sat | Fish – you are allowed to enjoy fish and seafood dishes. |
Is it possible to eat fish
Fish is allowed on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays and on the Feast of the Nativity of John the Baptist (July 7).
Can I drink wine?
The consumption of this alcoholic drink is allowed in small quantities on Saturdays and Sundays and on the Feast of the Nativity of John the Baptist.
Allowed products during Peter's Fast
- Vegetables and fruits. They make up the bulk of the lean diet. In the summer, there is an abundance of seasonal vegetables and fruits, from which you can prepare side dishes, salads, desserts, and snacks. This allows you to eat varied and tasty.
- Cereals. Porridge is the second most popular Lenten dish. Rice, buckwheat, wheat derivatives, bulgur, corn grits, oatmeal, quinoa serve as side dishes and the main source of complex carbohydrates, which provide a feeling of fullness and give energy. By seasoning porridge with fruits, honey and nuts you can get a delicious dessert.
- Fish and seafood. Allowed on all days of fasting except Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Serve as the main source of protein. When cooking fish, it is recommended not to fry and not to get carried away with spices. It is better to give preference to boiled, stewed or steamed dishes.
- There is little vegetable matter. Allowed on all days except Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Olive, sunflower, and flaxseed oils are the main source of fats, which are necessary for the absorption of many vitamins. They season salads and side dishes.
- Legumes. Peas, beans, beans, chickpeas, soybeans, and lentils are additional sources of protein and an alternative to meat. For those who cannot abstain from dairy products for a long time, milk, yogurt, kefir, and soy cream can be purchased in large supermarkets and specialized stores.
- Confectionery and bakery products. Products that do not contain dairy products and eggs are allowed. During fasting, it is recommended to refrain from excessive consumption of confectionery products.
- Mushrooms. This is an additional source of vegetable protein. They are used to prepare main dishes, side dishes, and add to salads and appetizers.
- Dried fruits and nuts. Walnuts, almonds, cashews, dates, figs, prunes, dried apricots, and raisins become the main delicacies during fasting. For many they replace desserts. They are often eaten as a snack or added to salads or cereals.
- Honey. It makes an excellent dessert and is used in baking and other desserts.
- Wine. 1-2 glasses are allowed on Saturday and Sunday.
What you can and cannot do during Peter's Fast
Peter's fast is not only abstinence from certain types of food, for the purpose of bodily cleansing and cultivating willpower. First of all, it is aimed at developing human spirituality. During fasting, it is forbidden to engage in activities that could lead to a state of sinfulness or distract from prayer and repentance.
During the fasting period, you should avoid noisy companies and parties, and try not to quarrel.
It is not advisable to cut your hair, otherwise your hair will become thin.
Is it possible to travel
During the fasting period, it is better to refrain from trips, trips and business trips. It is better to spend your free time at home with your family or dedicate it to good deeds. Trips related to pilgrimages to holy places are encouraged.
Is it possible to conceive a child?
During fasting, it is better to abstain from intimacy. It is possible for a husband and wife to perform marital duties by mutual consent. During the fasting period, it is better not to plan to conceive a child, but if such a situation does occur, then nothing threatens the unborn baby.
Is it possible to read secular literature?
The fast does not include the ban on reading literature. Confessors recommend paying attention to books that have spiritual content. Such works can be found in classical Russian literature.
Is it possible to baptize a child
Baptism of children is allowed absolutely on any day of the year.
Is it possible to have a wedding?
Registration of marriage is allowed, but if the young people are believers, then it is advisable to postpone the wedding to other days of the year. The Church does not bless this event during the period of Lent. There is a belief that a couple who tied the knot on fasting days will not be able to find happiness in family life. Weddings do not take place during Peter's Fast.
How to avoid feeling hungry while fasting
As a rule, lean foods are lower in calories. It is quickly absorbed, which leads to a quick feeling of hunger. To avoid discomfort, you should increase the number of meals and add snacks. To avoid overeating and feel full faster, it is recommended to chew your food thoroughly. This allows you to stretch out the time of eating, thanks to which the center of the brain, which is responsible for hunger, has time to receive a signal from the receptors in the stomach, preventing overeating.
Sayings and signs
- Petrovka (Petrov post) - hunger strike, Spasovka (Uspensky) - gourmet.
- Petrovka is on a hunger strike for bread.
- Noble blood even freezes (chills) in Petrovka.
Peter's Fast for Catholics
Unlike the Orthodox Church, there is no Fast of Peter in the Catholic liturgical cycle.