What Do Greek Orthodox Eat During Fasting?

January 5, 2026 •

2 min read

According to Orthodox tradition, the faithful fast approximately 180 to 200 days a year, abstaining from meat, dairy, and eggs during specific periods. So, what do Greek Orthodox eat during fasting to follow these strict dietary rules? They turn to a rich culinary tradition of vibrant, plant-based dishes and allowed seafood.

Quick Summary

This guide provides an overview of the dietary guidelines and permitted foods during Greek Orthodox fasting periods. Fasting guidelines and foods are detailed on {Link: Holy Protection Orthodox Church https://www.holyorthodox.org/fastingguidelines}.

Key Points

Core Abstinence: Greek Orthodox Christians typically abstain from meat, dairy, eggs, and fish with backbones during designated fasting periods.
Shellfish Is Allowed: Invertebrate seafood like octopus, squid, mussels, and shrimp are generally permitted during fasts, though rules vary.
Year-Round Practice: Fasting occurs during major seasons like Great Lent and Nativity Fast, and on most Wednesdays and Fridays.
Rich Fasting Cuisine: Traditional Greek fasting food, nistisima, includes various plant-based dishes and seafood.
Individual Exceptions: Fasting rules are not legalistic and can be relaxed for those with health issues, under a priest's guidance.

The Principles of Greek Orthodox Fasting

Fasting in the Greek Orthodox Church is a spiritual discipline intended to purify both the body and the soul through prayer, repentance, and self-restraint. The guidelines vary in strictness depending on the specific period.

The primary rule during fasting periods, especially Great Lent, is to abstain from products from animals with blood, including meat, poultry, dairy, and eggs. Fish with backbones are restricted, while shellfish are permitted. Olive oil and wine are restricted on certain days.

Major Fasting Periods

Greek Orthodox Christians observe several fasts throughout the year. The most significant are detailed on {Link: Holy Protection Orthodox Church https://www.holyorthodox.org/fastingguidelines}. These include Great Lent, Nativity Fast, Dormition Fast, Apostles’ Fast, and Weekly Fasts.

A Closer Look at Fasting Foods (Nistisima)

During these periods, the Greek Orthodox diet is rich in plant-based ingredients and seafood. This culinary tradition has produced many flavorful and satisfying fasting-friendly meals, known as nistisima. Details about allowed items, including shellfish like octopus, calamari, shrimp, mussels, and clams, as well as breads, spreads, and desserts, can be found on {Link: Holy Protection Orthodox Church https://www.holyorthodox.org/fastingguidelines}.

Fasting-Friendly Meal Comparison

A comparison of permitted and not permitted foods during fasting, including categories like Meat & Poultry, Fish, Dairy, Eggs, Grains & Legumes, Vegetables, Fruits & Nuts, Fats, and Sweeteners, is provided on {Link: Holy Protection Orthodox Church https://www.holyorthodox.org/fastingguidelines}.

Traditional Recipes for the Fast

Many traditional Greek recipes are naturally vegan or easily adapted for fasting, as highlighted on {Link: Holy Protection Orthodox Church https://www.holyorthodox.org/fastingguidelines}. For more authentic recipes, explore resources like OliveTomato.com.

The Spiritual Dimension and Exceptions

Fasting is a spiritual practice meant to be adapted to individual circumstances. Exceptions are made for the sick, elderly, pregnant or nursing women, and those with medical conditions. Believers should consult their priest for guidance on modifying their fast.

Conclusion

Greek Orthodox fasting is a spiritual discipline involving abstaining from certain animal products during specific times, leading to a rich cuisine of plant-based and shellfish dishes. More details can be found on {Link: Holy Protection Orthodox Church https://www.holyorthodox.org/fastingguidelines}.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary rule is to abstain from products of any animal with blood, including meat, poultry, and fish with a backbone. Dairy and eggs are also prohibited.

Yes, shellfish such as squid, octopus, mussels, and shrimp are typically permitted during fasting periods.

Yes, on stricter fast days, particularly weekdays during Great Lent, olive oil and wine are abstained from.

Nistisima describes foods permitted during fasting periods, typically vegan including vegetables, legumes, grains, and certain seafood.

Popular fasting meals include lentil soup (Fakes), white bean soup (Fasolada), stuffed vegetables (Gemista), and seafood dishes.

Yes, exceptions are made for those with health issues, the elderly, young children, and pregnant or nursing mothers.

Fasting is a spiritual discipline for repentance, purification, and strengthening one's spiritual life through self-control and prayer.