What is Coptic Orthodox fasting?

In the Coptic Orthodox Church, fasting is an important spiritual discipline that involves abstaining from certain foods and activities for a period of time in order to focus on prayer and spiritual growth. The Coptic Orthodox Church has a long tradition of fasting, which is considered to be one of the pillars of the Christian faith.

There are different types of fasting observed by the Coptic Orthodox Church, including:

  1. Great Lent: Great Lent is the most important fasting season in the Coptic Orthodox Church. It begins on the Monday of the 7th week before Easter and lasts for 7 weeks, until Palm Sunday. During Great Lent, Coptic Orthodox Christians abstain from all animal products, including meat, dairy, and eggs, as well as certain other foods such as fish and seafood. They also abstain from certain activities, such as dancing and attending social events.

  2. Fast of the Apostles: The Fast of the Apostles is a fasting period that occurs during the summer months, from the Monday after Pentecost until the Feast of the Transfiguration (August 6). During this fast, Coptic Orthodox Christians abstain from all animal products, including meat, dairy, and eggs.

  3. Fast of the Virgin Mary: The Fast of the Virgin Mary is a fasting period that occurs in the fall, from the first Monday after the Feast of the Nativity (September 7) until the Feast of the Presentation (November 18). During this fast, Coptic Orthodox Christians abstain from all animal products, including meat, dairy, and eggs.

  4. Other fasting periods: In addition to the Great Lent, the Fast of the Apostles, and the Fast of the Virgin Mary, there are other fasting periods observed by the Coptic Orthodox Church, such as the Fast of Nineveh, the Fast of the Holy Cross, and the Fast of the Prophet Daniel. These fasting periods may vary in length and may involve abstaining from different foods or activities.

It is important to note that the Coptic Orthodox Church does not require all members to observe all fasting periods, and the decision to fast is left to the individual's discretion and guidance from their spiritual father. In general, fasting is considered to be a personal spiritual discipline that is meant to help individuals grow closer to God and to develop self-control and discipline in their lives. 

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