The Copts, the Christians of Egypt, who belong mostly to the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, observe Fasting periods according to the Coptic Calendar. These fasting periods are matched by no other Christian community. Out of the 365 days of the year, the Copts fast over 210 days. A Copt is a native Egyptian Christian (also see Coptic Christianity). ... This article is about the religous people known as Christians. ... Jesus Christ in a Coptic icon. ... Fasting is primarily the act of willingly abstaining from some or all food, drink, or both, for a period of time. ... The Coptic calendar, also called the Alexandrian calendar, is used by the Coptic Orthodox Church. ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... The word Copt signifies the natives of Egypt as a nationality, and in popular common culture in Egypt it is used to specifically signify Christian Egyptians, although its use to mean Egyptian is not unwitnessed. ...

There are spiritual, symbolic, and even practical reasons for Fasting. In the fall from Paradise man became possessed of a carnal nature; he adopted carnal practices. Through fasting, the Orthodox Christians attempt to recapture Paradise in their lives by refraining from those carnal practices. In general, fasting means becoming vegan, thus abstaining from meat, fish, eggs, dairy, and other animal products. Fasting is primarily the act of willingly abstaining from some or all food, drink, or both, for a period of time. ... Eastern Orthodoxy (also called Greek Orthodoxy and Russian Orthodoxy) is a Christian tradition which represents the majority of Eastern Christianity. ... Hens kept in cramped conditions — the avoidance of animal suffering is the primary motivation of people who become vegans A vegan is a person who avoids the ingestion or use of animal products. ...

There are those who see fasting as an exercise in self-denial and Christian obedience that serves to rid the believer of his or her passions (what most modern people would call "addictions"). These often low-intensity and hard-to-detect addictions to food, television or other entertainments, sex, or any kind of self-absorbed pleasure-seeking are seen as some of the most significant obstacles for man seeking closeness to God. Through struggling with fasting, the believer comes face to face with the reality of his condition - the starting point for genuine repentance. This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ...

All Coptic Orthodox Christians are expected to fast following a prescribed set of guidelines. Dispensation is however granted under special circumstances, such as pregnancy and sickness. Christ - Coptic Art Coptic Orthodox Christianity is the indigenous form of Christianity that, according to tradition, the apostle Mark established in Egypt in the middle of the 1st century AD (approximately AD 60). ... This article is about the religous people known as Christians. ...

The time and type of fast is generally uniform for all Orthodox Christians. The times of fasting are dependent on the ecclesiastical calendar. In the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, this calendar is the Coptic Calendar, which corresponds largely to the calendars of other Christian denominations. Observation of the Fasting periods is very strict in the Coptic community. The term Oriental Orthodoxy refers to the communion of Eastern Christian Churches that recognize only the first three ecumenical councils — the First Council of Nicaea, the First Council of Constantinople and the Council of Ephesus — and reject the dogmatic definitions of the Council of Chalcedon. ... Jesus Christ in a Coptic icon. ... The Coptic calendar, also called the Alexandrian calendar, is used by the Coptic Orthodox Church. ... A denomination, in the Christian sense of the word, is an identifiable religious body under a common name, structure, and/or doctrine. ... Fasting is primarily the act of willingly abstaining from some or all food, drink, or both, for a period of time. ... Coptic is an adjective referring to the original inhabitants of Egypt, the Copts. ...

Observation periods

The major fasting periods during the ecclesiastical calendar year are:

The Fast of the Advent

The Nativity Fast (Advent or Winter Lent) is the 40 days preceding the Nativity of Christ (Christmas) on 29 Koiak (January 7, which also falls on 28 Koiak in leap years). The 40 days correspond to the 40 days that the Prophet Moses fasted on the mountain, before receiving the Ten Commandments from God, which were at that time considered the word of God to his people. Thus, with Christ being the Word of God, the Christians fast those 40 days in preparation of receiving the Word of God in flesh at the Feast of the Nativity. Advent (from the Latin Adventus, implicitly coupled with Redemptoris, the coming of the Saviour) is a holy season of the Christian church, the period of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Christ, also known as the season of Christmas. ... The Nativity Fast, practiced by the Eastern Orthodox Church, is believed to enable participants to draw closer to God by denying the body of worldly pleasure in preparation for celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, which is held on December 25th (Julian Calendar). ... Advent (from the Latin Adventus, implicitly coupled with Redemptoris, the coming of the Saviour) is a holy season of the Christian church, the period of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Christ, also known as the season of Christmas. ... Advent (from the Latin Adventus, sc. ... For the Nativity of Jesus, see Nativity of Jesus. ... Christmas is an annual holiday that marks the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. ... Koiak also known as Kiahk is the fourth month of the Coptic calendar. ... Koiak also known as Kiahk is the fourth month of the Coptic calendar. ... Moses with the Tablets, 1659, by Rembrandt This article is about the Biblical figure. ... This 1768 parchment (612x502 mm) by Jekuthiel Sofer emulated the 1675 Decalogue at Amsterdam Esnoga synagogue. ... Christ is the English of the Greek word (Christós), which literally means The Anointed One. ... This article is about the religous people known as Christians. ... Christmas is an annual holiday that marks the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. ...

An additional 3 days were added at the beginning of the 40 days of Advent during the 10th century AD to commemorate the 3 days that the Copts fasted before God awarded them the miracle of moving the mountain of Mukattam, which lies within a suburb of Cairo on the hands of Saint Simon the Tanner during the ruling of the Muslim Fatimid Caliph Al-Muizz Li-Deenillah. It is to be noted that these three days have no relevance in any context to the 40 days of the fast of Advent. Thus, the fast of Advent begins on 16 Hathor (November 25, which also falls on 15 Hathor in leap years). Advent (from the Latin Adventus, implicitly coupled with Redemptoris, the coming of the Saviour) is a holy season of the Christian church, the period of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Christ, also known as the season of Christmas. ... As a means of recording the passage of time, the 10th century was that century which lasted from 901 to 1000. ... The word Copt signifies the natives of Egypt as a nationality, and in popular common culture in Egypt it is used to specifically signify Christian Egyptians, although its use to mean Egyptian is not unwitnessed. ... Nickname: Egypt: Site of Cairo (top center) Coordinates: Government  - Governor Dr. Abdul Azim Wazir Area  - City 214 km²  (82. ... Saint Simon the Shoemaker (10th century), also known as Simon the Tanner (Samaan el-Dabbagh in Arabic), is the Coptic Orthodox saint associated with the legend of the moving the Mokattam Mountain in Cairo, Egypt, during the rule of the Muslim Fatimid Caliph Al-Muizz Li-Deenillah (953 - 975). ... The Fatimids, Fatimid Caliphate or al-FātimiyyÅ«n (Arabic الفاطميون) is the Shia dynasty that ruled over varying areas of the Maghreb, Egypt, and the Levant from 5 January 910 to 1171. ... For main article see: Caliphate Khalif is the head of state in a Caliphate, and the title for the leader of the Islamic Ummah, or global Islamic nation. ... Maad al-Muizz Li-Deenillah (* 932, † 975) was the fourth Fatimid Caliph and reigned from 953 to 975 in Ifriqiya and, after its conquest by him, Egypt. ... Advent (from the Latin Adventus, implicitly coupled with Redemptoris, the coming of the Saviour) is a holy season of the Christian church, the period of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Christ, also known as the season of Christmas. ... Advent (from the Latin Adventus, implicitly coupled with Redemptoris, the coming of the Saviour) is a holy season of the Christian church, the period of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Christ, also known as the season of Christmas. ... Hathor also known as Hatour is the third month of the Coptic calendar. ... Hathor also known as Hatour is the third month of the Coptic calendar. ...

It is to be noted that these three days have no relevance in any context to the 40 days of the fast of Advent nor does it form a portion thereof, being an added fast, completely separate in its inception and its purpose but simply adjoined at the beginning of the fast of the Advent. Advent (from the Latin Adventus, implicitly coupled with Redemptoris, the coming of the Saviour) is a holy season of the Christian church, the period of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Christ, also known as the season of Christmas. ... Advent (from the Latin Adventus, implicitly coupled with Redemptoris, the coming of the Saviour) is a holy season of the Christian church, the period of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Christ, also known as the season of Christmas. ...

Thus, the fast of Advent begins on the 19th (16th, if you add the three additional above-mentioned fasting days) of Hathor, corresponding to November 28, (November 25, if you add the three additional above-mentioned fasting days) and which also falls on the 18th (the 15th, if you add the three additional above-mentioned fasting days) of Hathor in leap years. Advent (from the Latin Adventus, implicitly coupled with Redemptoris, the coming of the Saviour) is a holy season of the Christian church, the period of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Christ, also known as the season of Christmas. ... Hathor also known as Hatour is the third month of the Coptic calendar. ... Hathor also known as Hatour is the third month of the Coptic calendar. ...

The Fast of Jonah

It commemorates the 3 days that Jonah the prophet fasted while in the belly of the fish. For Christians, these 3 days are a direct parallel of and a prophecy about the 3 days that Christ spent in the tomb. The fast of Jonah begins on a Monday, two weeks before the Monday that marks the beginning of the Great Lent. Yunus redirects here. ... Yunus redirects here. ... Christ is the English of the Greek word (Christós), which literally means The Anointed One. ... Yunus redirects here. ... Great Lent is the greatest fasting period in the church year in Eastern Christianity, which prepares Christians for the greatest feast of the church year, Easter (or Holy Pascha). Although it is in many ways similar to Lent in Western Christianity, there are important differences in the timing of Lent...

This fast was borrowed from the Syriac Tradition, as one of the Patriarchs of Alexandria of Syriac descendant decided to adapt it for the Church of Alexandria. Syriac is an Eastern Aramaic language that was once spoken across much of the Fertile Crescent. ... It has been suggested that Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church be merged into this article or section. ... Syriac is an Eastern Aramaic language that was once spoken across much of the Fertile Crescent. ... The Orthodox Church of Alexandria is one of the autocephalous Eastern Orthodox Churches. ...

The Fast of Great Lent

Great Lent consists of 6 weeks (40 Days), which correspond to the 40 days that Christ fasted on the mountain. It precedes Palm Sunday, and the Holy Week, which precede Easter. The 7 days of the Holy Week is also a period of rigorous fasting. Great Lent is the greatest fasting period in the church year in Eastern Christianity, which prepares Christians for the greatest feast of the church year, Easter (or Holy Pascha). Although it is in many ways similar to Lent in Western Christianity, there are important differences in the timing of Lent... Great Lent is the greatest fasting period in the church year in Eastern Christianity, which prepares Christians for the greatest feast of the church year, Easter (or Holy Pascha). Although it is in many ways similar to Lent in Western Christianity, there are important differences in the timing of Lent... Wikipedia does not yet have an article with this exact name. ... Palm Sunday is a moveable feast in the Christian calendar which falls on the Sunday before Easter. ... Holy Week (Latin: Hebdomada Sancta) in Christianity is the last week of Lent. ... Easter, the Sunday of the Resurrection, Pascha, or Resurrection Day, is the most important religious feast of the Christian liturgical year, observed at some point between late March and late April each year (early April to early May in Eastern Christianity), following the cycle of the moon. ... Holy Week (Latin: Hebdomada Sancta) in Christianity is the last week of Lent. ...

There are an additional 7 days of fasting before the beginning of the Great Lent, which serve as a preparatory period. Often called "Pre-Lenten Fast" or "Preparatory Week". It is, however, not a part of the fast of the Great Lent.

The Fast of the Holy Week

This is the week preceding Easter, which climaxes with the Crucifix on Good Friday and ends with the joyous Easter. Holy Week (Latin: Hebdomada Sancta) in Christianity is the last week of Lent. ... Easter, the Sunday of the Resurrection, Pascha, or Resurrection Day, is the most important religious feast of the Christian liturgical year, observed at some point between late March and late April each year (early April to early May in Eastern Christianity), following the cycle of the moon. ... A crucifix amidst the cornfields near Mureck in rural Styria, Austria A handheld crucifix A crucifix in front of the Holy Spirit Church in Košice, Slovakia A crucifix is a cross with a representation of Jesuss body, or corpus. ... Good Friday is the Friday before Easter (Easter always falls on a Sunday). ... Easter, the Sunday of the Resurrection, Pascha, or Resurrection Day, is the most important religious feast of the Christian liturgical year, observed at some point between late March and late April each year (early April to early May in Eastern Christianity), following the cycle of the moon. ...

It is to be noted that in the early Church, since they are not related to each other dogmatically, the Great Lent Fast and the Holy Week Fast were fasted separately. It was later in the Church history, when the Fathers of the Church saw it spiritually beneficial to join then concurrently, and later added the Preparatory week to enable the faithful to prepare themselves spiritually and bodily to experience the benefits of the fasts. Great Lent is the greatest fasting period in the church year in Eastern Christianity, which prepares Christians for the greatest feast of the church year, Easter (or Holy Pascha). Although it is in many ways similar to Lent in Western Christianity, there are important differences in the timing of Lent... Holy Week (Latin: Hebdomada Sancta) in Christianity is the last week of Lent. ...

The Fast of the Apostles

The Apostles' Fast varies in length from 2 to 6 weeks (15 to 49 days). It begins on the Monday following the Sunday of Pentecost and extends to the feast day of Saint Peter and Saint Paul on 5 Epip (July 12). This fasting period commemorates the struggles of the holy apostles to preach Christianity to the world. Its length varies yearly depending on the date of Easter, which in turn determines the date of Pentecost. Alternate meaning: See Apostle (Mormonism) The Christian Apostles were Jewish men chosen from among the disciples, who were sent forth (as indicated by the Greek word απόστολος apostolos= messenger), by Jesus to preach the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles, across the... Please wikify (format) this article as suggested in the Guide to layout and the Manual of Style. ... Pentecost (Greek: [], pentekostÄ“ [hÄ“mera], the fiftieth day) is the fiftieth day after Easter Sunday, which corresponds to the tenth day after Ascension Thursday. ... Saint Peter, also known as Simon ben Jonah/BarJonah, Simon Peter, Cephas and Kepha — original name Simon or Simeon (Acts 15:14) — was one of the Twelve Apostles whom Jesus chose as his original disciples. ... Paul of Tarsus (b. ... Epip also known as Abib is the eleventh month of the Coptic calendar. ... Christianity is a monotheistic[1] religion centered on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as presented in the New Testament. ... Easter, the Sunday of the Resurrection, Pascha, or Resurrection Day, is the most important religious feast of the Christian liturgical year, observed at some point between late March and late April each year (early April to early May in Eastern Christianity), following the cycle of the moon. ... Pentecost (Greek: [], pentekostÄ“ [hÄ“mera], the fiftieth day) is the fiftieth day after Easter Sunday, which corresponds to the tenth day after Ascension Thursday. ...

The Fast of the Dormition of the Theotokos (Virgin Mary)

This fast is 15 days long and precedes the feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos (Repose of The Virgin Mary). This fasting period is fasted to ask for the intercessions of the Virgin Mary. It begins on 1 Mesori (August 7) and ends on 16 Mesori (August 22). The Dormition of the Theotokos is the Eastern Orthodox commemoration of the falling asleep or death of Mary, the mother of Jesus. ... The term Virgin Mary has several different meanings: Mary, the mother of Jesus, the historical and multi-denominational concept of Mary Blessed Virgin Mary, the Roman Catholic theological and doctrinal concept of Mary Marian apparitions shrines to the Virgin Mary Virgin Mary in Islam, the Islamic theological and doctrinal concept... The Dormition of the Theotokos is the Eastern Orthodox commemoration of the falling asleep or death of Mary, the mother of Jesus. ... The term Virgin Mary has several different meanings: Mary, the mother of Jesus, the historical and multi-denominational concept of Mary Blessed Virgin Mary, the Roman Catholic theological and doctrinal concept of Mary Marian apparitions shrines to the Virgin Mary Virgin Mary in Islam, the Islamic theological and doctrinal concept... The term Virgin Mary has several different meanings: Mary, the mother of Jesus, the historical and multi-denominational concept of Mary Blessed Virgin Mary, the Roman Catholic theological and doctrinal concept of Mary Marian apparitions shrines to the Virgin Mary Virgin Mary in Islam, the Islamic theological and doctrinal concept... Mesori also known as Mesra is the twelfth month of the Coptic calendar. ... Mesori also known as Mesra is the twelfth month of the Coptic calendar. ...

Weekly Fast

Coptic Orthodox Christians also fast every Wednesday in commemoration of Christ's betrayal by Judas Iscariot, and every Friday in commemoration of his crucifixion. Exceptions are the Wednesdays and Fridays between Easter and Pentecost, which fall during a period of joy during which fasting is not permitted. Christ - Coptic Art Coptic Orthodox Christianity is the indigenous form of Christianity that, according to tradition, the apostle Mark established in Egypt in the middle of the 1st century AD (approximately AD 60). ... For the American black metal band, see Judas Iscariot (band). ... It has been suggested that this article be split into multiple articles accessible from a disambiguation page. ... Easter, the Sunday of the Resurrection, Pascha, or Resurrection Day, is the most important religious feast of the Christian liturgical year, observed at some point between late March and late April each year (early April to early May in Eastern Christianity), following the cycle of the moon. ... Pentecost (Greek: [], pentekostē [hēmera], the fiftieth day) is the fiftieth day after Easter Sunday, which corresponds to the tenth day after Ascension Thursday. ...

The Paramon Fast

The day preceding the Feast of the Nativity and the Feast of Theophany is a fast day in preparation for the Feast day. (See the rules for the fasting days of the Paramon) For the Nativity of Jesus, see Nativity of Jesus. ... Look up theophany in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

Rules

General Rules

According to the Coptic Orthodox tradition of fasting periods, the diet is mainly vegan, cooked with either oil or water. No animal products (meat, poultry, fish, milk, eggs, butter, etc.) are allowed. Christ - Coptic Art Coptic Orthodox Christianity is the indigenous form of Christianity that, according to tradition, the apostle Mark established in Egypt in the middle of the 1st century AD (approximately AD 60). ... In nutrition, the diet is the sum of food consumed by a person or other organism. ... Hens kept in cramped conditions — the avoidance of animal suffering is the primary motivation of people who become vegans A vegan is a person who avoids the ingestion or use of animal products. ...

Strict Abstinence

A strict abstinence period, where no food or drink whatsoever may be taken between midnight and sunset, is encouraged for those who can endure it. This is in fact the original tradition of the Church for the fast. Those who cannot endure this fast are still encouraged to strictly abstain from all types of food and drink between midnight and a certain time in the day, depending on each individual's strength and spiritual needs (this is usually based on the suggestion of the person's father of confession). For these individuals, fasting is more likely to end at three O'clock on the afternoon (the hour when Christ died on the Cross). Strict abstinence is also expected to be kept on Great Friday between midnight and the end of the Great Friday prayers (usually around 6pm). Christ is the English of the Greek word (Christós), which literally means The Anointed One. ... Good Friday is the Friday before Easter (Easter always falls on a Sunday). ... Good Friday is the Friday before Easter (Easter always falls on a Sunday). ...

Permissibles

It is also to be noted that fish is permissible during the Advent fast and during the Apostles' Fast, except on Wednesdays and Fridays of theses fasts. Lent and the Holy Week fasts are stricter than the other fasts in their discipline. Those who wish to take a vow of strict discipline for the fast of the Virgin Mary may also do so. Advent (from the Latin Adventus, implicitly coupled with Redemptoris, the coming of the Saviour) is a holy season of the Christian church, the period of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Christ, also known as the season of Christmas. ... Please wikify (format) this article as suggested in the Guide to layout and the Manual of Style. ... In Western Christianity, Lent is the forty-day period (or season) lasting from Ash Wednesday to Easter[1] or Holy Saturday. ... Holy Week (Latin: Hebdomada Sancta) in Christianity is the last week of Lent. ... The term Virgin Mary has several different meanings: Mary, the mother of Jesus, the historical and multi-denominational concept of Mary Blessed Virgin Mary, the Roman Catholic theological and doctrinal concept of Mary Marian apparitions shrines to the Virgin Mary Virgin Mary in Islam, the Islamic theological and doctrinal concept...

Regarding the Fast of the Paramon of the Feasts of the Nativity and of Theophany

• If the Feast day falls on a Sunday, the Paramon fasting day is substituted by the Friday before, since Saturday is a non-fasting day.
• If the Feast falls on a Monday, then the Paramon fasting day is also substituted with the Friday before, excluding Saturday and Sunday as fasting days of the Paramon.
• The Paramon period of both Feasts is considered as the two days preceding Sunday if it falls on that day with Friday as the only Fasting day.
• The same rule apply when either of the two Feasts falls on a Monday. The Paramon period is the three days that precede it, with Friday as the only Fasting day.

For the Nativity of Jesus, see Nativity of Jesus. ... Look up theophany in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

Non Fasting Periods

There are seven weeks during the year where there is no fasting even on Wednesday and Friday. These are the 6 weeks between Easter and Pentecost. These 6 weeks are "fast-free" because this period is a period of joy for Christians in celebration of the Resurrection of Christ. Easter, the Sunday of the Resurrection, Pascha, or Resurrection Day, is the most important religious feast of the Christian liturgical year, observed at some point between late March and late April each year (early April to early May in Eastern Christianity), following the cycle of the moon. ... Pentecost (Greek: [], pentekostē [hēmera], the fiftieth day) is the fiftieth day after Easter Sunday, which corresponds to the tenth day after Ascension Thursday. ... This article is about the religous people known as Christians. ... Look up Resurrection in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Christ is the English of the Greek word (Christós), which literally means The Anointed One. ...

Fasting observance before partaking of the Holy Communion

Coptic Orthodox Christians who expect to receive Eucharist on a certain day do not eat or drink at all during the nine hours preceding the partaking of the communion. Christ - Coptic Art Coptic Orthodox Christianity is the indigenous form of Christianity that, according to tradition, the apostle Mark established in Egypt in the middle of the 1st century AD (approximately AD 60). ... This article is about the religous people known as Christians. ... For other uses, see Eucharist (disambiguation). ...

Canonical Observance

Strict fasting is canonically forbidden on Saturdays and Sundays due to the festal character of the Sabbath and Resurrectional observances respectively. Holy (Bright) Saturday is the only Saturday of the year where a strict fast is kept.

Principle of Piety

It is considered a greater sin to advertise one's fasting than to not participate in the fast. Fasting is a purely personal communication between the Orthodox Christian and God, and in fact has no place whatsoever in the public life of the Coptic Orthodox Church. If one has responsibilities that cannot be fulfilled because of fasting, then it is perfectly permissible not to fast. The term Oriental Orthodoxy refers to the communion of Eastern Christian Churches that recognize only the first three ecumenical councils — the First Council of Nicaea, the First Council of Constantinople and the Council of Ephesus — and reject the dogmatic definitions of the Council of Chalcedon. ... Christ - Coptic Art Coptic Orthodox Christianity is the indigenous form of Christianity that, according to tradition, the apostle Mark established in Egypt in the middle of the 1st century AD (approximately AD 60). ...

Exceptions

These strict fasting rules are usually relaxed by priests on an individual basis to accommodate for illness or weakness. Abstinence from sexual intercourse is also encouraged but not mandatory, and largely depends on the decision of each couple. The Coptic Orthodox fasting periods are designed to foster spiritual development and focus on liturgical practices. It has been suggested that Duration of sexual intercourse be merged into this article or section. ... Christ - Coptic Art Coptic Orthodox Christianity is the indigenous form of Christianity that, according to tradition, the apostle Mark established in Egypt in the middle of the 1st century AD (approximately AD 60). ... From the Greek word λειτουργια, which can be transliterated as leitourgia, meaning the work of the people, a liturgy comprises a prescribed religious ceremony, according to the traditions of a particular religion; it may be refer to, or include, an elaborate...

Fasting is not generally viewed as a hardship, but rather a privilege and joy in preparing for the coming “Feast Day”.

See also

• Eastern Orthodoxy (Fasting)
• Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria