The Dormition Fast is the shortest of all and is dedicated to the repose of the Mother of God and her ascension to heaven. In terms of the severity of food restrictions, it is similar to Lent, but since it takes place during a period of abundance of fruits and vegetables, it is much easier to observe it.
During the two weeks that it lasts, it is forbidden to eat meat, fish and other animal products. It is understood that you cannot eat them not only in their pure form, but also all ready-made products, where they are included. Mayonnaise, all baked goods with milk, eggs and butter and other similar dishes are banned.
Fish is allowed for food only on August 19, on the day of the Transfiguration of the Lord, which is otherwise called the Apple Savior. And if until that day the apples of the new harvest were not consumed, now you can safely include them in the diet.
There is a lot of controversy about seafood, which does not belong to the fish family and are molluscs, but at the same time are living things. The Church does not put forward an open ban on their use, but at the same time, squid, mussels and caviar are not included in the list of what you can eat during the Dormition Fast.
On weekdays, not only animal fats, but also vegetable fats are not consumed, so food should be cooked without oil. Although on Monday, Wednesday and Friday this problem will not bother, since food must be eaten raw. On Saturdays and Sundays, indulgences are allowed, dishes are cooked with a little oil.
Among what you can eat at the Assumption Lent are fruits and vegetables, which appear on the markets in abundance in August. On the basis of eggplants, zucchini, tomatoes, peppers and other gifts of nature, you can prepare delicious and varied dishes. There are no problems even with desserts: watermelons, melons, peaches, apples, pears, grapes - these are just a few that are no less tasty than sweets or other forbidden sweets.
Alcohol is also prohibited during fasting, although a small amount of dry wine is allowed on weekends. Each believer makes his own Lenten menu independently, but it is much more important not only to adhere to food restrictions, but to remember the spiritual component of any fast.
