Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

On August 1, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church marks start of Theotokos Lent

Photo: Iva Antonova

On July 31, the Orthodox Church celebrates the day before the beginning of the Great Lent dedicated to the Theotokos. It lasts for 2 weeks and ends on August 15 with one of the biggest Christian holidays, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary or Great Virgin Mary.

The fasting period dedicated to Virgin Mary is not as strict as the Easter one. The use of meat, dairy products and alcohol is prohibited. 

On August 6 - the feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, fish is allowed. During the rest of the time, fruits, vegetables, nuts and lean meals are allowed. 

Monday, Wednesday and Friday of the Virgin's Lent are "dry" days - only raw fruits and vegetables, brown bread, olives and dried fruits are allowed. Cooked meals without fat are allowed on Tuesday and Thursday. On Saturdays and Sundays, cooked dishes with a little oil or olive oil and a little red wine are permissible.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Hannukah celebration in the central Sofia synagogue

From December 25 to January 2, Jewish people in Bulgaria and around the world will light Hanukkah candles

At sunset on December 25, the Jewish community begins to celebrate Hanukkah. The holiday begins on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar and, depending on the year, can fall in November or December.  By lighting 9..

published on 12/25/24 10:35 AM
Bulgarian Partriarch Daniil

Orthodox Christians in Bulgaria and the world celebrate Christmas

The Bulgarian Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas with solemn services. The festive services began on Christmas Eve, when the church held a solemn vigil.  Hundreds of laypeople gathered at the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia, where..

published on 12/25/24 9:25 AM
Photo: Bulgarian Eastern Orthodox Diocese in the USA, Canada and Australia

Metropolitan Joseph: Christmas is a double holiday for Orthodox Bulgarians in the USA, Canada and Australia

This year, the holiday of Christmas for the Bulgarian Eastern Orthodox Diocese in the United States, Canada and Australia is especially exciting! Metropolitan Joseph’s long-standing prayers to have his own vicar bishop have come true. His previous..

published on 12/25/24 4:30 AM