Understanding the Dormition Fast's Dietary Rules
The Dormition Fast is a two-week period of preparation leading up to the Great Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos on August 15th. It is a time for believers to increase prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, following the example of the Virgin Mary. Understanding the dietary discipline is a key part of the observance.
The Daily Food Guidelines
The general dietary rules are consistent across many Orthodox traditions. Always consult with a spiritual father for guidance. The core rule is abstinence from meat, dairy products, and eggs throughout the fast. The week is structured with varying levels of intensity:
- Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays: These are typically the strictest days, with Xerophagy (dry eating) prescribed, consisting of uncooked food without oil. Meals might include fresh and dried fruits, raw vegetables, nuts, and bread.
- Tuesdays and Thursdays: Cooked food is allowed, but without oil. Options include boiled or steamed vegetables, cooked grains, and legumes.
- Saturdays and Sundays: These weekend days allow wine and oil. This permits dishes with olive oil and a glass of wine.
- Feast of the Transfiguration (August 6): An exception permits fish, wine, and oil on this feast day.
Practical Meal Ideas for the Dormition Fast
Creating a varied menu is possible. Here are some ideas for each day's requirements:
- Xerophagy Days (Monday, Wednesday, Friday): Fresh fruit with nuts for breakfast. A mixed salad with raw vegetables for lunch. Medley of fresh vegetables with seeds for dinner.
- Cooked Food, No Oil Days (Tuesday, Thursday): Oatmeal with fruit and honey for breakfast. Lentil soup (water-based) for lunch. Baked potatoes with steamed greens for dinner.
- Oil and Wine Days (Saturday, Sunday): Fakes (Greek lentil soup) with olive oil for breakfast. Salad with vinaigrette for lunch. Pasta with tomato sauce cooked in olive oil for dinner.
A Comparison of Fasting Days
| Day of the Week | Meat & Dairy | Fish | Oil | Wine | Sample Meal Idea |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Prohibited | Prohibited | Prohibited | Prohibited | Fresh fruit salad with nuts |
| Tuesday | Prohibited | Prohibited | Prohibited | Prohibited | Steamed vegetables over rice |
| Wednesday | Prohibited | Prohibited | Prohibited | Prohibited | Raw vegetable wraps with sprouts |
| Thursday | Prohibited | Prohibited | Prohibited | Prohibited | Vegetable and herb soup |
| Friday | Prohibited | Prohibited | Prohibited | Prohibited | Rye bread with fresh tomatoes |
| Saturday | Prohibited | Prohibited | Permitted | Permitted | Pasta with olive oil and garlic |
| Sunday | Prohibited | Prohibited | Permitted | Permitted | Grilled vegetables with herbed oil |
| Transfiguration (Aug 6) | Prohibited | Permitted | Permitted | Permitted | Baked cod with lemon and herbs |
Recommended Dormition Fast Recipes
Fakes (Greek Lentil Soup)
- Ingredients: 1 cup brown lentils, 1/2 chopped onion, 1 carrot diced, 1 stalk celery diced, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 bay leaf, 4 cups water, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Instructions: Rinse lentils. Cook onion, carrot, and celery (with oil on permitted days). Add garlic, lentils, water, and bay leaf. Simmer until tender. On Saturdays/Sundays, add olive oil and vinegar. On no-oil days, omit oil and vinegar.
Spanakorizo (Greek Spinach and Rice)
- Ingredients: 1 cup Arborio rice, 1 large onion chopped, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 lb fresh spinach, 4 cups vegetable broth, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Instructions: On Saturdays/Sundays, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil. Add rice, broth, spinach, salt, and pepper. Simmer until rice is cooked. Stir in lemon juice. For no-oil days, cook rice and spinach in broth without oil.
Baked Falafel
- Ingredients: 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, 1/4 cup chopped onion, 2 minced cloves garlic, 1 tbsp flour, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Instructions: Blend ingredients. Shape into balls. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway. Serve with tahini (oil days) or lemon juice (dry days).
Conclusion
The Dormition Fast is a profound spiritual discipline. Focus on prayer, repentance, and almsgiving alongside dietary rules to cultivate a closer relationship with God and the Theotokos. A well-planned, fulfilling menu is achievable using plant-based foods, with relaxations on weekends and the Feast of the Transfiguration. Approach the fast with joy, viewing restrictions as an opportunity for spiritual growth. For further reading, consult resources like the {Link: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America website https://www.goarch.org/dormition}.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drink coffee during the Dormition Fast?
Traditionally coffee is not permitted. Herbal teas and water are the appropriate beverages. Consult your spiritual father for individual guidance.
Is wine allowed during the Dormition Fast?
Wine is permitted on Saturdays and Sundays and on the Feast of the Transfiguration (August 6).
What about seafood like shrimp or mussels?
Seafood without backbones may be permitted in some traditions, while others exclude all seafood. Fish with backbones is only permitted on the Feast of the Transfiguration. Consult your spiritual father.
Are oil-free snacks an option?
Yes, fresh/dried fruits, raw nuts, seeds, and dry bread are acceptable on strict fasting days.
Can children and the elderly participate in the Dormition Fast?
Strict rules are often relaxed for children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with health conditions. Modifications based on health and capacity are encouraged.
Can I use honey during the Dormition Fast?
Honey is a permitted natural sweetener traditionally used during the fast.
What is 'xerophagy'?
Xerophagy is the strictest fasting, observed on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. It involves only dry, uncooked foods like raw fruits/vegetables, nuts, and dry bread, with water.
Are there any foods not to eat before the Transfiguration?
Traditionally, abstain from grapes and apples until blessed on the Feast of the Transfiguration (August 6th).
What if I am not Orthodox but want to follow the Dormition Fast?
Anyone can adopt a vegetarian/vegan diet during this time, focusing on spiritual reflection, prayer, and self-restraint. It's a healthy practice, even without strict adherence to Church rules.
