Fasting is a deliberate decision that many people come to. Petrov post is undoubtedly one of the most significant, it has many rules and nuances. But observing it returns strength and health to a person, fills the body with energy, pacifies and soothes.
In the summer, every year, without exception, all true believers strictly observe one of the most significant and important holy fasts. It begins on Monday, which follows exactly one week after the great Orthodox holiday of the Trinity. This fast is called Peter's fast, it is also sometimes called the Apostolic fast. But in the old days it was spread in Russia as the Great Pentecost Fast.
Features of Petrov's post
The time interval for fasting is different: from only eight days to six weeks. The term of Peter's Lent directly depends on when the Orthodox celebrated the bright holiday of Easter. During this holy fast, in all Orthodox churches without exception, daily services are held to remind of the life and work of the holy apostles. After receiving the holy gifts from the Holy Spirit on the feast of the Trinity, they continued to fast strictly and perform prayer services for several more days.
This fast was observed in preparation for the further preaching of the Holy Gospel throughout the world. Much later, the disciples of these apostles also followed the example of their mentors and subsequently accepted this fast. So this gift of St. Peter's fast and prayer from distant ancestors has come down to our days.
Why has Petrov Fast been observed so often lately?
Whether or not to observe the Petrov Fast is an individual and strictly voluntary decision. Each person treats the holy sacrament of cleansing the body and spirit with his own personal intention. Some believers see Peter's Lent as a reason to completely cleanse themselves only physically from everything accumulated. And this gives them physical health for the whole year ahead. Others, however, see Peter's fast as another way to pacify their character and pride. In this case, moral satisfaction is also added to health.
And for some, Petrov fasting is, first of all, a reminder of the fact that not only food alone lives a thinking person, and external enemies are not so terrible for true believers, like those enemies that are inside each person, the struggle with which does not stop for a minute. This approach is preached by the Church in every possible way and tells believers that it is strict fasting and prayer that enable everyone to free themselves from that evil one who is constantly inside every person, tempting, and to remember his immortal soul and its vital needs.
