Can I eat fish during St. Mary's Fast on a Friday?
By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-10
In the Coptic Orthodox Church, the Fast of the Blessed Virgin St. Mary is a period of spiritual joy and asceticism. While this fast is categorized as a "second-degree" fast—meaning that fish is generally permitted to alleviate the burden on the faithful—there is a specific rule regarding Wednesdays and Fridays.
The Rule for Wednesdays and Fridays
According to Coptic Orthodox tradition and Canon law, fish is never permitted on any Wednesday or Friday throughout the year, regardless of whether a second-degree fast is occurring. This is because:
- Wednesday commemorates the betrayal of our Lord Jesus Christ by Judas Iscariot.
- Friday commemorates the Crucifixion and death of our Lord for our salvation.
Therefore, even during the Fast of St. Mary, you cannot eat fish on a Friday. On that day, the fast must be strictly vegan (abstaining from all animal products, including fish) and should include a period of abstinence (fasting from all food and drink) until a certain hour, usually sunset or the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy.
Summary of Food Permitted during St. Mary's Fast:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday: Vegan food and fish are permitted.
- Wednesday and Friday: Strictly vegan food only (no fish).
It is also important to note that many Coptic Orthodox Christians, out of deep love and veneration for the Theotokos, choose to abstain from fish entirely during these fifteen days, treating it with the same rigor as the Great Lent, though this is a personal spiritual devotion and not a mandatory requirement of the Church.