In 2014, St. Peter the Fast begins on June 16 and ends on the feast of the Apostles Paul and Peter on July 12. This is a special time of abstinence in the bodily and spiritual sense for the Orthodox Christian.
Petrov Post is not strict, but in 2014 it was quite long (26 days). Abstinence occurs in the summer, so Orthodox people do not have difficulties in choosing foods that are allowed as lean for consumption. So, fruits and vegetables, mushrooms called “forest meat” are already appearing.
The charter of the Orthodox Church prescribes abstinence from vegetable oil on Wednesdays and Fridays of the entire time of Petrov Lent. However, some clergymen bless to eat food in oil these days as a condescension to a person.
On Saturdays and Sundays, fasting regulations allow fish to be eaten. The practice of our time gives indications that fish can be tasted not only on weekends, but also at all times except Wednesday and Friday, when oil can be allowed. In this matter, every Christian makes his own choice after consulting with the priest.
It turns out that there are no special problems in choosing food products. You can eat fish, other seafood (for example, shrimp, squid, octopus, fish caviar), various mushrooms, vegetables and fruits.
The Christian also needs to remember the inner side of fasting. During abstinence, it is advisable not only to eat permitted foods, but also to try to wage a spiritual struggle with passions, to confess and take communion in order to celebrate the feast of memory of the holy apostles Peter and Paul in spiritual joy.
