Saints Peter’s and Paul’s (Apostolic) Lent
Every day is blessed by the Lord, especially the fasting days which are established and given by Him in His Church for the increase of our spiritual vigilance and attention over the heart and its purification from the passions.
Fasting and prayer are great gifts from God, without which there is no deification and salvation for we humans. These gifts are our graceful participation in the Cross of Christ, and therefore in His Resurrection.
Fasting and prayer have been sanctified and given to us in the Church by the Lord Himself, the God-Man Jesus Christ, through His overall life in the flesh among us humans.
St. John Chrysostom says, “When you hear about fasting, do not be afraid of it as of a terrible duke: Fasting is not frightening for us, but for the evil spirits.” That is why Christ says: “This kind is cast out by fasting and prayer only. ”(Matthew 17:21). And then, if fasting is so frightening for our enemies and casts them out, we need to love and accept it happily, and not to be afraid of it.
Saints Peter’s and Paul’s Lent also known as Apostolic Lent begins now, and it has its own rule of fasting.
The establishment of the Apostolic Lent refers to the first days of the Orthodox Church. The Church’s establishment of this fast is mentioned in the Apostolic Rules: “After Pentecost, celebrate a week and then fast; because uprightness requires to rejoice after receiving the Gifts of God, and then fast after the weakening of the body. ”
This Lent is founded in honour of the Lord’s holy apostles and we fast in this manner:
* Wednesdays and Fridays – oil and wine not to be consumed;
* Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays – oil and wine can be consumed,
* Saturdays and Sundays – oil, wine and fish are allowed for consumption.
If a feast falls on a Monday, Tuesday or Thursday, oil and fish are allowed.
If a feast dedicated to a “smaller” saint falls on a Wednesday or a Friday, oil and wine are allowed.
If a great feast falls on a Wednesday or a Friday in addition to oil, fish is allowed.
If the feast of the patron Saint of the Church falls on a Wednesday or a Friday, oil and fish are allowed.
The beginning of the Apostolic Lent varies and it depends on the celebration of Pascha (Easter). It starts one week after Pentecost, i.e. from the Monday after the Sunday of All Saints, and its length varies from 8 days to 6 weeks. It ends on the feast of the holy apostles Peter and Paul (June 29 / July 12 in a new style).
However, if the feast of Saints Peter and Paul falls on a Wednesday or a Friday, then fish is allowed, but not meat.
And let us not forget that according to the canons (rules) of the Church, if we practice all the fasts properly and observe a regular and proper spiritual life under the spiritual guidance of a spiritual Father, with his blessing, we can receive communion every Sunday.
May we have easy and blessed fast!
Father Gavril
