Fast-free: Preparing for Sts. Peter and Paul Fast (Петрівка)
While it seems like the Great Fast just finished, we are now preparing for the next fast of the year (and there are 4 in the year): the Sts. Peter and Paul Fast or the Apostle’s Fast, also known as петрівка or апостольский піст. This shorter lenten period is the preparation for the feast day of both St. Peter and St. Paul on July 12, and can vary in length, as its start depends on the date of Pascha. So if Pascha is early April, then lent will be longer but if it is in May, it is often only 2 weeks.
In anticipation of this fast, but also in celebration of the 7 feasting days following Pentecost, the week of June 5th (June 5-9, 2023) is fast-free, which is to say that Wednesday and Friday are not fasting days and perfect opportunities to go out for a burger and beer or steak!
Enjoy your fast-free week!