In 2014, St. Peter's fast begins on June 16 and ends on the feast of the First Apostles Paul and Peter on July 12. This is a special time of abstinence in the physical and spiritual sense for an Orthodox Christian.
Peter's fast is not strict, but in 2014 it is quite long (26 days). Abstinence occurs in the summer, so Orthodox people have no difficulty in choosing food products that are allowed as lean ones for consumption. So, fruits and vegetables, mushrooms, called "forest meat" are already appearing.
The charter of the Orthodox Church prescribes abstinence from vegetable oil on Wednesdays and Fridays during the entire period of Peter's Lent. However, some clergymen bless to eat food in oil on these days as well as a descent to a person.
On Saturdays and Sundays of fasting, the charter permits the eating of fish. The practice of modern times indicates that fish can be eaten not only on weekends, but also at all times, except for Wednesday and Friday, when oil may be allowed. In this matter, each Christian makes his own choice after consulting with a priest.
It turns out that there are no particular problems in the choice of food. You can eat fish, other seafood (for example, shrimp, squid, octopus, fish caviar), various mushrooms, vegetables and fruits.
Also, a Christian needs to remember the inner side of fasting. During abstinence, it is advisable not only to eat permitted food, but also to try to wage a spiritual struggle with passions, to confess and receive communion in order to celebrate the feast of the memory of the holy apostles Peter and Paul in spiritual joy.
