2019 Calendar of Greek Orthodox Holidays and Fasts

More than 90 percent of Greeks belong to the Greek Orthodox Church and faith plays an important role in Greek life. The Greek Orthodox faith observes several fasts during the year. These fasts​ mean abstinence from foods derived from animals and fish containing red blood (cephalopods such as octopus and squid are allowed since they do not have red blood), dairy products, eggs, and at times from olive oil and wine as well.

Strict observers of all fasting periods and fast days will follow these guidelines for more than 180 days a year. Total fasting (no food at all) is reserved for a period of time before taking Holy Communion. Foods allowed during fast periods are called nistisima (νηστίσιμα, pronounced nee-STEE-see-mah) and are eaten during the Great Lent and other fasts. Followers are encouraged to eat simply and modestly during any fasting period.

Major Fasting Periods

In the Greek Orthodox Church, there are four major fasts during the year. 

• The Great Lent begins on a Monday, seven weeks before Easter and is the longest and strictest fasting period in the Orthodox calendar. Called Kathari Theftera (Καθαρή Δευτέρα, pronounced kah-thah-REE thehf-TEH-rah), this Monday translates to Clean Monday and it puts an end to the three weeks of Carnival celebrations that took place before it. Fasting restrictions are eased on the weekends during the period of Great Lent, although not completely abandoned. For Lazarus Saturday and Palm Sunday (the weekend before Easter), no food restrictions apply.
• The Fast of the Apostles, which lasts from one to six weeks, begins on a Monday, eight days after Pentecost, and ends the day before the feast day of Saints Peter and Paul. It is one of the oldest fasts in the church calendar.
• The Fast of the Dormition of the Theotokos (Mary, Mother of God), takes place from August 1 to 14 and ends with a similarly named feast on August 15. 
• The Christmas Fast lasts from November 15 to December 24 and is broken into two parts, with a less strict observance that allows oil and wine on Tuesdays and Thursdays from November 15 to December 19.

Individual Fast Days

Some of these fast dates change each year. The following are 2019 dates:

• January 5: Eve of the Theophany (Epiphany)
• September 11: Beheading of St. John the Baptist
• September 27: Feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross
• Wednesdays and Fridays

Days With No Fasting Permitted

• Between Christmas and Theophany
• 10th week before Easter
• Week after Easter
• Week after Pentecost

2019 Greek Orthodox Calendar of Fasts

Note that each year, the actual date of many fasts will change. For 2019, the calendar is as follows:

* Theotokos: Mary, Mother of God

** Theophany: Epiphany