The Assumption Fast is one of the oldest Christian traditions. It was erected in honor of the Dormition of the Mother of God, which is celebrated in a new style on 28 August. This strict fast lasts two weeks. Throughout the entire time, believers are prohibited from eating animal products. On some days fish dishes are allowed, on others only vegetable dishes. Filling them with oil is not always allowed.
Orthodox believers begin to fast on August 14, right after the Savior of Honey. It is necessary to prepare for this in advance. A sudden transition from your usual diet to a lean one can lead to various health problems. Therefore, if you decide to strictly observe Christian traditions, start with one-day fasts. Observe not only their calendar, but also the cooking technology. Then the transition to long-term fasts will not harm your health.
The monks observe the Dormition Fast most strictly. It is for them that dry eating is primarily provided. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, he can eat hot food, but dishes cannot be seasoned with oil. Vegetable oil is only allowed on Saturdays and Sundays. Of course, during the Dormition Lent, monks are also prohibited from dairy products.
Church laws are less strict for the laity. Before fasting, be sure to consult with your confessor and receive his blessing. There are diseases in which a person cannot do without dairy products. In this case, milk dishes are not excluded from the diet, and this is not considered a sin.
The feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord falls on the Dormition Fast. It is celebrated on August 19. On this day, both laymen and monks are allowed to eat fish. Vegetable dishes can be seasoned with vegetable oil regardless of what day of the week this holiday fell on. Wine is also allowed - however, weak and in very small quantities. The Day of the Dormition of the Mother of God can fall on Wednesday or Friday. In this case, fish dishes are served at the table.
Despite the fact that the Dormition Fast is considered strict, the people called it "gourmet". By this time, a new crop is already ripening, in the gardens and vegetable gardens there are many fresh fruits, from which dishes are mainly prepared. These days you can eat all kinds of salads, eggplant and squash caviar, baked and fried vegetables. However, it should be remembered that animal fat cannot be used for cooking.
