The Dormition Fast is from August 1st to August 14th. We fast during this time to honor the Dormition of the Mother of God. It is a Great Feast of the Eastern Catholic Churches which commemorates the “falling asleep” of the Theotokos (“Mother of God”, translated as God-bearer), and her bodily resurrection before being taken up into heaven. During the 2 week fast, we fast from red meat, poultry, meat products, dairy products and fish, oil, and wine.
THE DORMITION OF THE MOST HOLY MOTHER OF GOD ACCORDING TO THE BYZANTINE RITE (from the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh): https://archpitt.org/the-dormition-of-the-most-holy-mother-of-god-uspen-ije-assumption-according-to-the-byzantine-rite/
PARAKLESIS: Paraklesis
During this fasting period a PARAKLESIS or “Office of Consolation/Supplicatory Canon to the Most Holy Theotokos” is held each week. It is a devotional service to the Mother of God which is contained in the liturgical books of the Byzantine Rite. It is particularly associated with the Dormition Fast. During this fast, the Great Feast of Transfiguration (August 6th), falls during the fast and therefore, fish, wine and oil are allowed.
