The Orthodox Christians begin the Peter's Fast: what is allowed and absolutely prohibited to do until July 11.

      This Monday, June 8, Orthodox believers enter the Peter Fast — one of the two summer periods of abstinence established in memory of the apostles Peter and Paul. In 2026, it will last for 34 days. We explain why this fast is called "fish," whether it is true that one cannot cut their hair in the coming month, and how to properly compose a menu to avoid harming health.

      In the Russian Orthodox tradition, the Peter (or Apostolic) Fast replaced pagan Kupala rituals after the adoption of Christianity. Its duration always changes, as it depends on the movable feast of the Holy Trinity (the fast always begins on the second Monday after it). In 2026, believers will fast from June 8 to July 11. The main goal of the upcoming 34 days is not just a diet, but spiritual purification. As the folk wisdom goes: "Fasting is not in the belly, but in the spirit."

      Fish, vegetables, and a ban on meat: how to eat

      The Peter Fast is not considered strict. Since the apostle Peter grew up in a fishing family and was a fisherman himself, during this period it is allowed to eat fish on almost all days of the week, except for Wednesday and Friday. During the fast, the following are strictly prohibited: meat, poultry, eggs, milk, and any dairy products. The basis of the diet in June and July should consist of vegetables, fruits, fresh greens, grains, mushrooms, legumes, and nuts. To avoid a constant feeling of hunger due to reduced caloric intake, doctors recommend increasing the number of meals, adding snacks, and drinking at least 1.5 liters of clean water per day.

      Dietary rules by days of the week:

      Monday: hot food without added oil (soups, cereals, steamed vegetables);

      Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday: hot food with vegetable oil and fish is allowed;

      Wednesday and Friday: days of strict fasting — dry eating. Only thermally unprocessed plant food is allowed (raw vegetables and fruits, nuts, honey, bread, and water).

      Note: on weekends, as well as on July 7 (the feast of the Nativity of John the Baptist), believers are allowed to drink a little wine.

      Who is allowed not to fast?

      The Church emphasizes that gastronomic restrictions should not harm health. The following are exempt from adhering to the dietary fast:

      children and the elderly;

      pregnant and nursing women;

      people with diabetes, cancer, gastrointestinal diseases, and kidney problems;

      those recovering from surgeries or suffering from acute infections.

      If you cannot limit yourself in food due to health reasons, the Church advises taking on another ascetic feat: for example, refraining from social media, watching entertainment shows, or television during the fast.

      Folk signs and strict prohibitions

      In addition to food restrictions, the Peter Fast is associated with a number of church rules and ancient folk traditions. Until July 11, believers are recommended to refrain from attending noisy entertainment events, parties, and clubs. Holidays are better spent in a quiet family circle. Also, divination, occult rituals, and weddings are under strict church prohibition (marriage in the registry office is not prohibited, but the Church does not welcome lavish wedding feasts during these days).

      In folk tradition, there are also domestic beliefs for the period of the Peter Fast:

      It is forbidden to cut hair. Our ancestors believed that cutting hair during these weeks would "cut off" one's luck for the rest of their life.

      It is forbidden to engage in needlework. It was believed that if one took a needle in their hands, they could "sew up" their happiness.

      There is a ban on debts. During the Peter Fast, it was not customary to borrow or lend money — this foretold financial problems until the end of the year.

      However, on the days of the saints' remembrance, it was customary to bake fish pies — pies with whole baked fish.

      The fast will end on July 12 — on the great feast of the Day of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. By tradition, it is customary to conduct a general cleaning and take out all the trash from the house.

      Author

      More news about the event:

      The Orthodox begin the Peter Fast: what can and cannot be done until July 11

      This Monday, June 8, Orthodox believers enter the Peter Fast — one of the two summer periods of abstinence established in memory of the apostles Peter and Paul.

      Peter Fast 2026: what is prohibited and what is allowed from June 8

      This is one of the mildest Orthodox fasts: fish is allowed on most days, and strict restrictions apply only on Wednesdays and Fridays.

      The priest named the foods that cannot be eaten during the Peter Fast

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      During the Peter Fast, it is forbidden to eat meat, eggs, and dairy, and fish is allowed only on certain days.

      News from neighboring regions on the topic:

      Strict prohibitions for Peter's Day published in Novosibirsk

      Orthodox Novosibirsk residents are preparing for one of the important periods of the church calendar — the Peter Fast.

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      Peter Fast in 2026: dietary calendar by days – what is prohibited and what is allowed

      The Peter Fast is one of the four long fasts in the Orthodox tradition. It is also called the Apostolic because it is dedicated to the memory of the apostles Peter and Paul.

      On June 8, Orthodox Christians will begin the Peter Fast

      On Monday, June 8, 2026, the Orthodox Church enters the Peter Fast — one of the four multi-day fasts of the church year.