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Meal and celebration planning
More than 90 percent of Greeks are members
of the Greek Orthodox Church, and faith plays an important role in Greek
life. The Greek Orthodox faith observes several fasts during the year,
which means abstinence from ingredients containing blood, dairy
products, and at times from olive oil, and wine as well. (Total fasting
is reserved for a period of time before taking Holy Communion.)
Foods allowed during fast periods are called
nistisima (νηστίσιμα, pronounced nee-STEE-see-mah) and they are
eaten during the Great Lent and other fasts.
Major Fasting Periods
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There are four major fasts
during the year.
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The Great Lent, which begins on a
Monday, seven weeks before Easter. This Monday, called Kathari
Deftera (Καθαρή Δευτέρα, pronoucned kah-thah-REE thehf-TEH-rah),
translates to Clean Monday. Fasting restrictions are eased on
weekends (not abandoned).
-
Fast of the Apostles, which lasts
from one to six weeks, begins on a Monday, eight days after
Pentecost, and ends on June 28th, the day before the feast day of
Saints Peter and Paul.
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Fast of the Dormition of the
Theotokos (Mary, Mother of God), from August 1st to 14th.
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Christmas Fast, from November
15th to December 24th.
Individual Fast Days
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January 5th - eve of the Theophany
(Epiphany),
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August 29th - the Beheading of St. John
the Baptist,
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September 14th - the feast of the
Elevation of the Holy Cross, and
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Wednesdays and Fridays.
Days When Fasting is Not Permitted
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between Christmas and Theophany,
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the 10th week before Easter,
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Easter Sunday and the week after (Bright
Week),
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the week after Pentecost.
Source: The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of
America
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