Orthodox Fasting Today — Daily Rules & Calendar

Is today an Orthodox fasting day?

Every morning, millions of Orthodox Christians across Europe ask the same practical question: are we fasting today? The Orthodox liturgical calendar includes fasting rules that change depending on the day of the week, the time of year, and the tradition you follow. This tool gives you an instant answer.

Orthodox fasting is not only during Lent

Wednesday and Friday are weekly fast days throughout the year — Wednesday in memory of Christ's betrayal, Friday in memory of His Crucifixion. Add to this the four great fasting seasons and one-day strict fasts such as the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

• Strict fast — no meat, dairy, fish, oil or wine
• Fish permitted — no meat or dairy, but fish, oil and wine allowed
• Oil and wine permitted — no meat, dairy or fish
• Fast-free week — all foods permitted

New Calendar and Old Calendar traditions

The Greek, Romanian and Bulgarian churches follow the Revised Julian Calendar; the Russian and Serbian churches follow the Old Julian Calendar, 13 days behind.

Why check the fasting rule every day?

For the full theological meaning behind the four great Orthodox fasts, read our complete guide to the Orthodox fasting seasons.