In the Orthodox tradition, there are four multi-day fasts that contribute to the spiritual improvement of man. On June 8, 2015, the Orthodox Church begins the time of Petrov Lent, which ends July 12 on the day of remembrance of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul.
In the Christian tradition, there is another naming of the Petrov Lent - the Apostolic Lent. The very name of this period of abstinence indicates the historical connection of the Church with the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ, spread throughout the world by the work of the holy apostles. The gospel preachers themselves, before going to preach, were in fasting and prayer.
Historical references to the Peter Lent took place already in the 3rd century, and from the 4th century, the mention of the holy fathers and teachers of the Church about the need for spiritual preparation for the feast of the holy apostles Peter and Paul, expressed in abstinence from passions and corporal fasting, becomes the most frequent. Of particular importance in the historical formation of the Petrov Lent was the construction of churches in honor of the supreme apostles in Constantinople and Rome. The construction of the majestic cathedrals was completed on the day of the memory of the apostles Peter and Paul during the reign of the Roman Empire by the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine the Great in the first half of the 4th century.
Currently, the Post of Peter is an integral part of the life of an Orthodox believer. Despite the fact that the Apostolic Lent is not strict, believers at this time refrain from food of animal origin. Eating fish is permitted on all days except Wednesday and Friday.
With abstinence in food, one must not forget the main essence of the Orthodox fasting - the desire for spiritual perfection. Believers during fasting often try to attend worship, participate in the sacraments of confession and communion. A special place in the practice of fasting is occupied by the desire of a Christian to cleanse his soul from sins, as well as the desire for love, mercy, humility - those moral guidelines to which the Church calls a person.
