Petrov (Petrovsky) fast Is a summer multi-day Orthodox post, named after the two most revered apostles - Petra and Paul.
The duration of the Petrovsky post depends on the time of the offensive Easter and can range from eight to 42 days. AT 2020 Petrov post is quite long, it lasts almost a month, 27 days: from Monday, 15 June, on saturday, 11 July, inclusive.
History of Petrov's post
Petrov post begins on Monday, on the 57th day after Easter, one week after Trinity. According to gospel sources, fast established by the apostles, who, through abstinence, prepared themselves for missionary work. The apostolic fast was originally intended for those, who for some reason could not fast in Lent.
The purpose of the post is self-improvement through voluntary abstinence and preparation for the day of remembrance of the apostles Peter and Paul. In Russia, the post was introduced with the establishment of Christianity., including, to distract people from promiscuous pagan rites, related to the onset of summer (Русалии, kupala ceremonies, summer solstice).
Rules of Peter's fast
During the Petrov Lent banned meat and dairy products, and eggs. A fish allowed all days, except wednesday and friday, therefore Petrov post, although it is considered strict, but easier to carry, than great. Especially, that at this time there is already a lot of fresh greens, first fruits and vegetables. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays Nativity of John the Baptist adult believers allowed some wine.
Everything is prohibited during fasting., what can harm a person’s spiritual perfection: quarreling, scandals, scolding, bad thoughts, laziness, envy and so on. Time should be spent in spiritual purity, in charity affairs. Believers are instructed to avoid worldly entertainment and noisy companies, limit thoughtless use of the Internet and social networks.
As for intimate life, you need to remember, that the church considers any unmarried cohabitation. According to the rules of fasting, intimacy between married spouses is prohibited, but the church leaves these issues to the discretion of the parishioners. Also, during fasting there are no weddings, therefore, it is better for believers to marry for a while after fasting.
What can I eat in Petrov Post: nutrition rules
Mondays - hot, lean, oil-free meals. On Tuesdays, thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays - hot lean food with butter, Fish and seafood, on weekends - wine. On Wednesdays and Fridays - dry eating (food without cooking, dried fruits, nuts, honey).
On holiday Nativity of John the Baptist (7 July) fish and wine allowed, this year's holiday falls on tuesday.
Memorial Day of the Apostles Peter and Paul (12 July) not included in the post, but, if it falls on wednesday or friday, is lean. This year's holiday falls on Sunday, so there are no dietary restrictions.
Who is dismissed
Strict fasting, following all the rules, is obligatory for clergy and monks, concessions are allowed for the laity. Sick and elderly are exempted from a post, as well as small children, who need dairy products, pregnant and lactating women. Temporary refusal of meat food is not considered dangerous or harmful, if fasting has no concomitant diseases (eg, anemia).
Less strict post can be observed by people, performing hard physical work, as well as traveling, imprisoned and so on.
Daily Food Calendar
15 June, monday - hot lean food without oil.
16 June, tuesday - hot lean food with butter, Fish and seafood.
17 June, Wednesday - dry eating.
18 June, Thursday - hot lean food with butter, Fish and seafood.
19 June, friday - dry eating.
20 June, saturday - hot lean food with butter, Fish and seafood, wine.
21 June, Sunday - hot lean food with butter, Fish and seafood, wine.
22 June, monday - hot lean food without oil.
23 June, tuesday - hot lean food with butter, Fish and seafood.
24 June, Wednesday - dry eating.
25 June, Thursday - hot lean food with butter, Fish and seafood.
26 June, friday - dry eating.
27 June, saturday - hot lean food with butter, Fish and seafood, wine.
28 June, Sunday - hot lean food with butter, Fish and seafood, wine.
29 June, monday - hot lean food without oil.
30 June, tuesday - hot lean food with butter, Fish and seafood.
1 July, Wednesday - dry eating.
2 July, Thursday - hot lean food with butter, Fish and seafood.
3 July, friday - dry eating.
4 July, saturday - hot lean food with butter, Fish and seafood, wine.
5 July, Sunday - hot lean food with butter, Fish and seafood, wine.
6 July, monday - hot lean food without oil.
7 July, Tuesday - Nativity of John the Baptist, hot lean food with butter, Fish and seafood, wine.
8 July, Wednesday - dry eating.
9 July, Thursday - hot lean food with butter, Fish and seafood.
10 July, friday - dry eating.
11 July, saturday - hot lean food with butter, Fish and seafood, wine
12 July, Sunday - Day of the Apostles Peter and Paul, no post, any food allowed.
National signs on Petrov post
It is believed, that you can’t get a haircut in Petrov’s post, otherwise the hair will fall out and grow poorly.
According to omen, you cannot lend money during fasting, otherwise you will be in debt as in silk.
In Russia, in the Petrov post, girls were forbidden to do needlework, otherwise, according to acceptance, “Sew” happiness and good luck.
It is believed, that you cannot marry during fasting, otherwise, family happiness can not be seen.
In the past, they tried not to travel, today due to restrictions, caused by pandemic COVID-19, it makes sense to respect this tradition.
Author: Olga Vasilenko
