The Dormition Fast is the shortest of the four fasting seasons — two weeks in August, August 1 through 14 — but it is traditionally one of the most intense. The Russian Church sometimes calls it “the small Great Lent.”
When is the Dormition Fast?
August 1–14, ending at the vigil for the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos (August 15).
It begins on the feast of the Procession of the Honorable Cross (August 1) and concludes on the Eve of the Dormition.
Fasting rules
The Dormition Fast follows a strict rule, similar to Great Lent in structure:
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday — Strict fast (no wine or oil on Wednesday and Friday; wine and oil permitted on Monday in many traditions)
- Tuesday, Thursday — Wine and oil (no meat, dairy, or fish)
- Saturday, Sunday — Fish, wine, and oil permitted
Fish is generally not permitted except on feast days of sufficient rank.
Exception: August 6 — the Transfiguration of Christ
Fish, wine, and oil are permitted, even on Wednesday or Friday. The Transfiguration is a Great Feast. It falls in the middle of the Dormition Fast every year, providing a single feast-day respite.
Why we fast for the Dormition
The Dormition is the “falling asleep” of the Theotokos — her holy repose and assumption into heaven. The Church fasts before this feast as a preparation and memorial, following the tradition of the Apostles who gathered at her bedside and fasted in vigil before her departure.
The intensity of this fast is proportional to the magnitude of the feast: the Dormition is one of the twelve Great Feasts of the Church year.
August 15 — the Dormition
The feast of the Dormition arrives with the Sunday rule: fish, wine, and oil are permitted. If the feast falls on a Wednesday or Friday, fish is still permitted.
Feast or Fast shows each day of the Dormition Fast with the correct fasting rule, including the Transfiguration exception on August 6.