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Today is the beginning of the Apostles Fast. The length of this particular fast is ultimately determined by the date of Pascha, because this fast always begins eight days after Pentecost, the date of which is dependent on the date of Pascha for a given year. This year we are entering into a two-week fast that will culminate with the Feast of the Apostles Peter & Paul on Sunday, June 29.
An Orthodox fast is basically vegan in its dietary discipline. There are exceptions, so please look at the Church calendar. This is a rather neglected fast, but it is my role to inform you of the fast, and your role to make some decisions about how you will observe the fast on some level.
In addition, I have "signed us up" to receive a meditation on a daily basis for the course of the Fast. This series of meditations is sponsored by St. Vladimir's Orthodox seminary. We begin with the following from Dr. Peter Bouteneff:
Beginning of the Apostles’ Fast
A healthy approach to yourself as sinner depends upon knowing something of God’s mercy. Without faith and trust in God—as merciful and loving beyond measure—our self-condemnation would be impossible to bear. It would be self-destructive. And there is no clearer portrait of God than the crucified Christ, who has voluntarily surrendered everything for us. The cross—the limitless self-giving, voluntary co-suffering that it represents, the extent of love and mercy that it conveys—reveals to us what it is to be God.
—Dr. Peter Bouteneff, How to Be a Sinner
