Schedule

Fasts & Feasts

The Orthodox year forms us through fasts, feasts, Scripture, worship, repentance, and joy.

The Coptic Orthodox year forms the Church through seasons of fasting, repentance, preparation, feasting, and joy. Use the year selector below to view the major fasts and feasts for a given year.

Fasting Rules

Fasting in the Coptic Orthodox Church is practiced with both a change in food and a period of abstinence. During the abstinence period, no food or drink is taken in the morning. The appropriate length of abstinence should be determined with one’s father of confession, according to each person’s health, age, work, family situation, and spiritual guidance.

Level 1 Fasts

Level 1 fasts are completely vegan. They include Wednesdays and Fridays throughout the year, except during the Holy 50 Days, as well as Jonah’s Fast and the Great Fast.

Level 2 Fasts

Level 2 fasts are pescetarian. They include the remaining fasting seasons, such as the Apostles Fast, the Nativity Fast, and Saint Mary’s Fast.

Use the year selector to view the major Coptic Orthodox fasts, feasts, and liturgical seasons for that calendar year.

Fast or Feast Starts Ends