The Great Fast
Download a printable fasting planner
| Traditional Rule | Canonical Minimum (UGCC) | |
|---|---|---|
| Clean Week (first week of the Great Fast) | Total fast (only water permitted) on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Total fast on Wednesday and Friday until the Presanctified, after which abstain from meat, fish, eggs, dairy, oil and alcohol. | Clean Monday: one meal only, abstaining from meat, eggs and dairy. Clean Wednesday: abstain from meat. |
| Mondays to Fridays of the Great Fast | Total fast until the ninth hour (~3pm) or after the Presanctfied and abstain from meat, fish, eggs, dairy, oil and alcohol. | Abstain from meat on Wednesdays and Fridays. |
| Saturdays and Sundays of the Great Fast | No fasting. Abstain from meat, fish, eggs and dairy. | No rule. |
| Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos | Total fast until after Eucharist and abstain from meat, eggs and dairy. Alcohol permitted on eve. | No rule. |
| Fifth week of the Great Fast | Wednesday & Thursday; total fast until the ninth hour (~3pm) or after the Presanctified and abstain from meat, fish, eggs and dairy. Friday: as above but abstain from oil also. | No rule. |
| Palm Sunday | No fasting. Abstain from meat, eggs and dairy. | No rule. |
| Great & Holy Monday to Great & Holy Wednesday | Total fast until the ninth hour or after the Presanctified and abstain from meat, fish, eggs, dairy, oil and alcohol. | Abstain from meat. |
| Great & Holy Thursday | As above but oil and alcohol permitted. | No rule. |
| Great & Holy Friday | Total fast (only water permitted). | One meal only, abstaining from meat, eggs and dairy. |
| Great & Holy Saturday | Total fast until the Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great, after which abstain from meat, fish, eggs, dairy and oil. | No rule. |
Forgiveness Prayer of Saint Ephraim the Syrian
Traditionally said frequently throughout Lent, helps us to take control of our actions.
O Lord and Master of my life, keep from me the spirit of indifference, discouragement, lust of power, and idle chatter. Full prostration.
Instead, grant to me, Your servant, the spirit of wholeness of being, humble-mindedness, patience, and love. Full prostration.
O Lord and King, grant me the grace to be aware of my own sins and not to judge my brothers and sisters, for You are blessed now and forever and ever. Amen. Full prostration.
Lenten Resources
- Royal Doors — Daily readings and commentary