“By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” (1 John 3:16)
Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate – The Church of Alexandria

St. Mary & St. Athanasius Coptic Orthodox Church
Reaching out to Somerset and Hunterdon Counties in NJ

The Apostles’ Fast

Some characteristics of this fast are:

  • It’s the only fast that varies – Ends July 12 but starts the day after the Feast of Pentecost. This feast does not come the same day every year. Therefore, the Apostles’ Fast can vary from 18 days to 49 days.
  • Abstaining from food till a certain hour of the day is done Mondays thru Fridays only, as with all fasts.
  • Fish is allowed during this fast except on Wednesdays and Fridays. This is with all fasts that allow fish.

This fast has a unique perspective, which is a preparation before we go out to fulfill the Great Commission that our Lord Jesus Christ gave the disciples in Matthew 28:18-20.

Let us not take our call – to be Disciples of Christ – for granted but rather take this opportunity to evaluate our “talents” and to ponder on the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Of the many scriptural passages that speak about this, please read Hebrews 2.