The duration of Peter's Lent is different, because it depends on the day of the Holy Trinity, the date of the celebration of which is directly dependent on the time of the Holy Resurrection of Christ. In 2024, Orthodox believers will fast after the Trinity for a very short period of time - from July 1 to July 11. Peter's fast ends on the eve of the honoring of the holy apostles Peter and Paul, called the supreme ones.
Main meaning
The main task and secret intention of this period is not only to honor the memory of the holy chief apostles, but also to follow their example, of course, within the limits of one's own strength.Both Peter and Paul always cleansed themselves in the name of the Savior before going out to preach. They showed the way to self-improvement through voluntary abstinence.
Probably, it is not so important what date an Orthodox believer will embark on this pious path, however, many clergymen are encouraging that spiritual discoveries await everyone who has taken on the feat of Peter's Lent in 2024.
What positive changes will be depends on many factors - in addition to restrictions on food and entertainment, it is important to show compassion for others and set yourself up for deep repentance.
Establishment history
The custom of Lenten feat, which always begins on the second Monday after the feast of Pentecost, was established by believers of the first centuries of the spread of the Christian faith. Initially, it was intended for those who, for good reasons, could not keep the provisions of the Great Fortecost.
The largest number of adherents of this period appeared among Constantinople and Roman Christians - in these cities there were already churches consecrated in honor of the first disciples of Christ Peter and Paul. They were great prayer books and ascetics: going out to the worldwide preaching of the Gospel, they tried to prepare successors who were ready to take up the work of saving ministry.
The apostolic fast was finally approved by the beginning of the 5th century. The first mention of it is contained in the works of Theodoret of Cyrus and Leo the Great. On the territory they began to adhere to it immediately after the adoption of the Christian faith.
To find out how many believers will keep the Petrovsky fast in 2024, you need to calculate the date of the Trinity. Since Pentecost (celebrated on the 50th day after Easter) will be celebrated on June 23, Christians will enter the first summer fast on July 1.
Features of food
Compared to the Great, Petrovsky is not as strict. As usual, three types of animal products are mandatory excluded from the daily menu:
- milk and dairy products;
- eggs;
- meat in all its forms.
Otherwise, some variation is possible. On certain days of the week, fish, fish caviar, seafood, vegetable oil can be used almost always, with a few exceptions.
Given the summer time, the basis of the diet of Petrovsky Post in 2024 will be fresh herbs and dishes prepared from it (traditional cabbage soup with okroshka and botvinya, less common in modern conditions), as well as dishes from cereals, mushrooms and pleasant berry additions.
According to the church calendar, the beginning of this important period for spiritual development falls on Monday - you can eat hot food without oil. On Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, you can treat yourself to fish dishes.
On Wednesdays and Fridays, the requirements are stricter: the raw food diet is blessed. As a rule, the list of main permitted products includes:
- bread;
- dried fruits;
- potato;
- mushroom caviar;
- nuts;
- vegetables - both fresh and canned;
- berries;
- seasonal fruits;
- med.
On Sunday you can refresh your strength with a glass of red wine. It's optional, and the big feast should never start with it.
Regardless of what day of the week the Nativity of St. John the Baptist falls (according to the new style - July 7), it is allowed to serve fish dishes at the meal.
Requirements to follow certain menus were designed for monastics. Lay people are guided by the state of their he alth, the prevailing circumstances of life, as well as the individual characteristics of the body.If you have any doubts, you should seek clarification from your confessor, and in the absence of such, from any priest in the church. It will also help you figure out when the restriction period should end in each case.
Rules of conduct
The Church sets up believers not only to comply with dietary restrictions. It focuses on the need to purify the human soul. It is important not to get involved in those activities that aggravate sins, and do not help get rid of them. Required:
- drive bad thoughts away;
- do not participate in noisy feasts;
- abstain from alcohol abuse;
- no smoking;
- don't spend all evenings at the TV screen;
- limit your social media presence.
The observance of Peter's fast is an opportunity to touch the holiness of the supreme apostles, who, being the disciples of the Lord, chose abstinence with all their hearts and focused on spiritual work. Participation in such a good deed unites Orthodox believers, helps them feel like a part of the true Church.
