If a Divine Liturgy (Mass) is at 5 PM, what time should I start fasting?

By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-09

For a Divine Liturgy (ⲑⲩⲥⲓⲁ) that concludes with Communion at approximately 5:00 PM—which often occurs during Great Lent (ⲧⲉⲥⲥⲁⲣⲁⲕⲟⲥⲧⲏ) or Jonah's Fast—the following rules apply regarding the Eucharistic fast:

1. The Nine-Hour Rule

The minimum requirement for total abstinence (no food or water) before Holy Communion is nine hours. If you expect to receive the Holy Mysteries at 5:00 PM, you must begin your total fast no later than 8:00 AM that morning.

2. The Strictness of Great Lent

While the nine-hour rule is the technical liturgical minimum, the tradition during Great Lent and other "Baramoun" days is to remain fasting (total abstinence) from midnight the night before until the conclusion of the Liturgy.

As noted by HG Bishop Mettaous, in the case of afternoon Liturgies during Great Lent, adults should ideally take care to fast from midnight. This discipline emphasizes that the Body and Blood of Christ should be the very first thing to enter the mouth and nourish the body for that entire day.

3. Practical Considerations

• Total Abstinence: This means no water, gum, or food of any kind.
• Bathing and Hygiene: It is taught that one should ideally bathe the night before rather than the morning of Communion to avoid the accidental swallowing of water. Similarly, brushing your teeth on the morning of Communion is generally not permissible because of the risk of breaking the fast; if you have a medical condition requiring it, you must seek a specific absolution from your confession father.
• Spiritual Fasting: Ensure that while your body is fasting from food, your soul is also fasting from anger, gossip, and idle thoughts, as the fast of the heart is as essential as the fast of the stomach.

If you are a child, elderly, or have medical conditions (such as diabetes), you should consult your Father of Confession to determine a specific fasting period that is appropriate for your health while still maintaining the sanctity of the Mystery.