Today we start the Apostles Fast, which leads up to the Feast Day of Saints Peter and Paul on June 29th. This year the Apostles Fast is longer due to the calendar (it starts the second Monday after Pentecost, which is 30 days this year; some years it’s only a week and a hafl). This fasting period is one of the most counter-cultural being a Melkite (the other being the Nativity Fast in Nov/Dec in the lead up to the Nativity of Our Lord). School is just getting out, the weather is warmer, and mwwahh I have to fast?!?
Origins of the Fast of the Apostles
The Fast of the Holy Apostles is dated back to early years of the church. The first evidence of this fast is found in the writings of St. Athanasius the Great (†373) [we have a relic of St. Athanasius in our parish!! He is one of the best saints!!!]. In his letter to Emperor Constance, he writes: “During the week following Pentecost, the people who observed the fast went out to the cemetery to pray.” Some 20 years later, St. Ambrose (†397) writes: “On the days following his ascension into heaven, however, we again fast” (Sermon 61). Later on, [Pope!] St. Leo the Great (†461) writes: “After the long feast of Pentecost, fasting is especially necessary to purify our thoughts and render us worthy to receive the Gifts of the Holy Spirit … Therefore, the salutary custom was established of fasting after the joyful days during which we celebrated the resurrection and ascension of our Lord, and the coming of the Holy Spirit.”
Until the second half of the 3rd century, the Fast of the Holy Apostles was linked to Pentecost. Later on, when the commemoration of the death of Saints Peter and Paul took place amongst the faithful, around the year 258, the Apostles Fast became linked to the feast of Saints Peter and Paul on June 29. Consequently, it became a fasting period of preparation for the celebration of the feast of the great apostles. St. Symeon of Thessalonica (†1429) explains: “The Fast of the Apostles is justly established in their honor, for through them we have received numerous benefits and for us they are exemplars and teachers of the fast … For one week after the descent of the Holy Spirit, in accordance with the Apostolic Constitution composed by Clement, we celebrate, and then during the following week, we fast in honor of the Apostles.”
To be perfectly honest, the Apostles Fast is actually one of my favorites. A few reasons why, listed in no particular order:
- After Pascha, there are 40 joyous fast-free days when you can go crazy (not too crazy!! haha), so this effectively brings us back to the work we have to do on earth. Sunday, May 21st this year began Pentecost, which is the Descent of the Holy Spirit. I will write a separate post on some of my own personal Pentecosts; it’s important as Christians to recognize and invite the Holy Spirit working in us.
- Builds spiritual discipline. Rely on the Holy Spirit to say “no” in times of temptation. Fasting is one of the most powerful ways to invite the Holy Spirit in!
- Celebrating the Feast Day of Saints Peter and Paul is glorious! A side bonus is it is also Mrs. C’s birthday! These two apostles literally built Christianity. Peter was a simple fisherman and Paul killed Christians – yet Christ transformed them both:
- Consider: In scripture “Peter’s name is mentioned more often than all the other disciples put together: 191 times (162 as Peter or Simon Peter, 23 as Simon and 6 as Cephas). John is next in frequency with only 48 appearances, and Peter is present 50 percent of the time we find John in the Bible. Archbishop Fulton Sheen reckoned that all the other disciples combined were mentioned 130 times. If this is correct, Peter is named a remarkable 60 percent of the time any disciple is referred to.” … “Peter alone among the apostles receives a new name, “Rock,” solemnly conferred (Jn 1:42; Mt 16:18).” For his martyrdom, Peter refused to be crucified in the same way as Christ, requesting instead to be crucified upside down.
- At least thirteen of the letters (epistles) in the New Testament were written by St. Paul. A fourteenth, the Letter to the Hebrews, is probable but not certain. These are: Romans, First Corinthians, Second Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, First Thessalonians, Second Thessalonians, First Timothy, Second Timothy, Titus, Philemon, and Hebrews
- Saints Peter and Paul were the first two Melkite bishops!!!
- You can still enjoy fish and olive oil during this fast. I love fish, so plenty of delicious options! The foods to give up are meat and dairy. Eating too much meat and dairy is actually not that great for you; so it is actually healthy to go for a period of time without
- 30 days is totally manageable. It takes at least 21 days for a new habit to stick
As St. Paul says, “So, then, brethren stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by letter.” (2 Thess. 2:15) Have a blessed Apostles Fast!
More Incense, Less Nonsense! 