In the people most often you can hear the name "Petrovka". Each year, the duration of this fast is different, because it depends on when exactly believers celebrate Easter and Trinity.

When does the Petrovka 2023 fast begin

This year's Petriv fast will begin on Monday, June 12. Traditionally, it will end on the eve of the feast of Peter and Paul, which in the church calendar falls on July 12.

Why is it important and how to fast

Fasting is a period when you need to calm your heart and draw closer to God in silence to hear His voice. That is why noisy entertainment, parties or festivities are not organized on such days.

Believers experience fasting with joy, humility, and humility toward the Lord. They fast not indicatively, but internally and secretly. As the Gospel of Matthew says, "But when you fast, do not be sad like hypocrites: for they change their faces, that men may see them fasting. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward already. But when thou fastest, anoint thy head, and wash thy face, that thou shalt not show thy fasting unto men, but unto thy Father which is in secret; and your Father who seeth in secret will reward you openly" (Matthew 6:16-18).

During fasting, be sure to follow the precepts of the Church regarding what foods should not be eaten. The rigor of posts is different, so the list of prohibited products changes.

Peter and Paul Fast 2023: meal calendar by day

According to church tradition, Peter was born into a fisherman's family. Therefore, the people considered him the patron saint of fishermen. For this reason, the Church allows believers to fast fish on all days except Wednesday and Friday.

This is how the food calendar looks like in Peter's post by day:

• Monday — you can eat any hot dishes that are prepared without using oil;
• Tuesday — you can add mushroom and fish dishes to your diet, and oil is allowed;
• Wednesday is the strictest day of fasting, only dry eating is allowed;
• Thursday — you can eat fish and seafood;
• Friday is another strict day of fasting, only dry eating;
• Saturday — add fish and mushroom dishes to your diet, cook them in oil;
• Sunday — fish and other lean dishes, hot dishes with oil.

If during the fasting period there are church holidays, it is allowed to cook a pie with seafood or fish - such dishes are called "rybniki".

What not to do in the fast of Peter and Paul

The Church prohibits carrying out certain works on these days, in particular, it is forbidden:

• play a wedding;
• borrow money;
• cut hair;
• get married;
• work after sunset;
• do any needlework.

It is better not to disturb them if you want to cleanse the soul and body. Also, believers are recommended during the fasting period to abandon negative emotions, curses and disputes, to devote all their free time to prayers.

Petrivka: three main prayers read by believers

First: "O holy saints of God, Peter and Paul, who devoted their lives to faith! Hear our prayers and help us, with the help of the Lord, to fight against iniquity, recklessness and troubles. Help the weak by your power not to part from your vocation and the love of God. Through your strong intercession, we ask you to pray for forgiveness of our immeasurable sins. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Forever and ever. Amen."

Second: "O Supreme Apostles Peter and Paul, firm in their faith and in the teachings of the Lord, we believe in your help. Descend warmly into our souls, sowing everything with the love of God. Rejoice for our lives and direct your help to us. So that we, sinful servants of our Creator, bow down before his power and might, so that we may get rid of pride, riots of sin, evil thoughts. Rescue and help your instructions to have eternal life. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."

Third: "O Saints Peter and Paul, does not (name) be removed from us sinners by your spirit and intercession. Kneeling, we ask for the mercy and love of the Lord, forgiveness of our sins and distance from temptations. You are a way of godliness by your righteous life. Take pity on us and pray to God for us, great apostles. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."

Read also:

• Church calendar for June 2023: what holidays await believers in the first summer month