When there is release of fish in the fast of Saint Mary the Great

On August 15, the Orthodox Church celebrates one of the most important feasts dedicated to the Virgin Mary: the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, also known as Saint Mary the Great. This red cross feast celebrates not only the death and burial of the Mother of God, but also her bodily ascension into heaven.

The Fast of the Assumption or the Fast of the Holy Mary is a two-week period dedicated to the Orthodox and Greek Catholic faithful, which takes place between August 1 and 15. In popular tradition, the fast of the Assumption is often referred to as the fast of Saint Mary or Holy Mary.

When is release for fish?

During this period, there is only one day on which the consumption of fish is allowed, namely, the Feast of the Transfiguration, which is celebrated on August 6.

Besides this day of breaking the fish, there are five other days on which the faithful are permitted to consume oil and wine. These days are:

• August 1: Removal of the Holy Cross – oil and wine release
• August 3: Saints Isachie, Dalmatus and Faust – anointing in oil and wine
• August 4: The seven holy youths of Ephesus – anointing in oil and wine
• August 10: Saint Lawrence – release to oil and wine
• August 11: Saint Niphon, Patriarch of Constantinople – oil and wine release

During the rest of the days of the fasting period, food is restricted and believers are encouraged to practice abstinence from the consumption of meat and animal products, as well as from other forms of entertainment and excess.

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