June 16 – July 12, 2025
As the joyful celebration of Pentecost fades, the Orthodox Christian Church leads us into one of its oldest and most meaningful fasting seasons: The Fast of the Holy Apostles. Sometimes called the Apostles’ Fast, the Fast of Peter and Paul, or St. Peter’s Fast, this sacred period prepares the faithful for the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul on July 12th.
Although often overlooked in modern times, the Apostles’ Fast is a time of spiritual growth, discipline, and deep connection to the early Church’s missionary spirit. Let’s explore its rich history, significance, and how we can meaningfully participate today.
What Is the Fast of the Holy Apostles?
The Apostles’ Fast begins on the Monday after the Sunday of All Saints, which follows Pentecost. In 2025, it runs from June 16 to July 12.
This fast honors the tireless labor, sacrifice, and unwavering faith of the Holy Apostles, who traveled the world to spread the Gospel. Rooted in the ancient practices of the early Church, the Fast is a call for modern Christians to imitate the Apostles’ dedication to Christ and His Church.
Why Do We Fast After Pentecost?
The origins of this fast date back to the first centuries of Christianity. After the glorious fifty-day celebration of Pascha (Easter), the Apostles themselves began to fast and pray, preparing for their mission to evangelize the world.
Sacred Tradition teaches that the Apostles sought strength and guidance through fasting, asking God to empower them for their monumental task. The scriptural foundation comes from Jesus’ words:
“The days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.” (Matthew 9:15)
The early Church, as recorded by St. Athanasius the Great and even in the fourth-century Apostolic Constitutions, observed a fast after Pentecost as an essential season of preparation. It was not only a time of thanksgiving but also of purification and readiness for service.
The Spiritual Power of the Apostles’ Fast
While the Apostles’ Fast is not as rigorous as Great Lent, it is profoundly impactful. Saint Leo the Great reminds us that after the extended celebration of Pascha and Pentecost, fasting is needed to refocus the mind and soul:
“Fasting after Pentecost cleanses our thoughts and makes us worthy of the Holy Spirit’s gifts.”
Fasting is not about punishment or mere ritual. It is the Church’s divinely inspired path to freedom, self-mastery, and the acquisition of the Holy Spirit. As St. Seraphim of Sarov taught:
“The true aim of the Christian life is the acquisition of the Holy Spirit. Fasting is indispensable for this goal.”
How Do We Fast?
The guidelines for the Apostles’ Fast vary slightly across Orthodox traditions, but here is the general rule:
Abstain from: Meat, dairy products, poultry, and eggs.
Permitted on most days: Fish, wine, olive oil, and shellfish.
Stricter fasting: On Wednesdays and Fridays, typically no fish, wine, or oil.
Some Orthodox jurisdictions observe even stricter versions, while others, like the Antiochian tradition, limit fish consumption to specific weekends.
In addition to dietary discipline, the faithful are called to:
Increase daily prayers and attend Divine Liturgies.
Seek the intercessions of the Holy Apostles.
Focus on repentance, almsgiving, and acts of mercy.
The Deep Connection: Pentecost, the Apostles, and the Mission of the Church
The timing of this fast is not accidental. Pentecost marks the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, when the Apostles became fully united with Christ’s Body—the Church—and were empowered to proclaim the Gospel boldly.
According to Metropolitan Hierotheos Vlachos, Pentecost was the moment the Apostles were made perfect in truth, fully illumined by the Holy Spirit to carry the message of salvation to all nations.
The fast, therefore, connects the joy of Pentecost with the missionary zeal of Saints Peter and Paul. It is a reminder that we, too, are called to live as witnesses of the truth, empowered by the same Spirit that filled the Apostles.
The Legacy of Saints Peter and Paul
The Apostles’ Fast culminates in the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul on June 29th, a day that celebrates these two towering figures of Christianity.
Saint Gregory Palamas beautifully describes them as:
“Brighter than the stars, more radiant than the heavens, supreme leaders of the Apostles, fathers and guides of all Christians.”
Saints Peter and Paul stand as shining examples of transformation, courage, and unwavering faith. Through their life and ministry, we are invited to follow their path of bold confession and sacrificial love.
A Word of Caution: Fasting Without Judging
It’s important to remember that fasting is a personal spiritual journey. While we are called to observe the fast with diligence, we should avoid judging those who may not participate or follow it as strictly. As the Church Fathers teach, the power of the fast is lost when it becomes a source of pride or condemnation.
Our focus should always remain on our own repentance and growth.
Why We Need the Apostles’ Fast Today
In our fast-paced, comfort-driven world, the Apostles’ Fast calls us back to simplicity, self-discipline, and spiritual vigilance. It offers us an opportunity to reset, to reorient our hearts toward the Kingdom of God, and to rekindle the fire of our own missionary calling.
It is a time to:
Purify our hearts.
Strengthen our spirits.
Draw closer to Christ.
Prepare to receive the Holy Spirit more fully.
The Fast of the Holy Apostles is not a burden—it is a gift, a path, and a doorway to joy.
Let’s Embrace the Fast
As we approach this sacred season, let’s commit to embracing the fast—not just in food, but in heart, in prayer, and in the way we live. Let us walk the path of the Apostles, carrying their zeal, their love for Christ, and their mission into our homes, our communities, and the world.
The Apostles blazed the trail—let us follow.