What is the order of the major fasts and feasts in the Coptic Orthodox Church?

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

In the Coptic Orthodox Church, the liturgical year is a continuous journey through the life of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Virgin Mary, and the Saints. The following is the chronological order of the major fasts and feasts throughout the Coptic year, starting from the Coptic New Year (Nayrouz).

1. The Coptic New Year

• Date: 1 Tout (September 11/12).
• Significance: Known as the Feast of El-Nayrouz, it marks the beginning of the Year of the Martyrs. The Church celebrates the Era of Martyrs with a joyful tune for 17 days until the Feast of the Cross.

2. The Feast of the Cross

• Date: 17 Tout and 10 Paremhotep.
• Significance: Celebrates the discovery of the Holy Cross by Empress Helen.

3. The Fast of the Nativity (Advent)

• Duration: 43 days (16 Hathor to 28 Koiak).
• Significance: 40 days representing the fast of Moses before receiving the Law, plus 3 days added for the miracle of moving the Mokattam Mountain.
• Special Season: The month of Kiahk, known as the "Month of Mary," when special Midnight Praises (Seven and Four) are chanted in the "Kiahk Tune."

4. The Feast of the Nativity

• Date: 29 Koiak (January 7/8).
• Significance: One of the Seven Major Feasts of the Lord, celebrating the birth of Christ.

5. The Feast of Epiphany

• Date: 11 Tobi (January 19/20).
• Significance: Commemorates the Baptism of Christ in the Jordan River. It is preceded by the Paramoun (a period of strict fasting) and includes the Rite of the Lakkan.

6. Jonah's Fast

• Duration: 3 days.
• Significance: Occurs two weeks before Great Lent. It represents the three days Jonah spent in the belly of the whale and is a period of intense repentance.

7. Great Lent

• Duration: 55 days.
• Structure:

1. Preparation Week: 1 week.
2. The 40 Days: Commemorating Christ's fast in the wilderness.
3. Holy Week (Pascha): The final week leading to the Resurrection.

• During weekdays, the Liturgy is prayed in the "Lenten Tune" with special readings and prostrations.

8. The Feast of the Resurrection

• Date: Variable (following the Coptic Paschal cycle).
• Significance: The "Feast of Feasts," celebrating Christ's victory over death. It begins the 50 Joyous Days, during which no fasting or prostrations occur.

9. The Feast of the Ascension

• Date: 40th day of the Resurrection period.
• Significance: Commemorates Christ ascending into heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father.

10. The Feast of Pentecost

• Date: 50th day of the Resurrection period.
• Significance: The birth of the Church through the descent of the Holy Spirit.

11. The Apostles' Fast

• Duration: Variable (from the day after Pentecost until July 12).
• Significance: Commemorates the fast of the Apostles before their mission. It ends with the Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul.

12. The Fast of the Virgin Mary

• Duration: 15 days (1–16 Mesore).
• Significance: A beloved fast in the Coptic Church dedicated to the Mother of God, concluding with her Assumption on 16 Mesore.

For the correct liturgical execution of these seasons—including the specific hymns for Kiahk, Great Lent, or Pascha—it is essential to follow the teachings of the authorized cantors, such as Moalem Ibrahim Ayad, Moalem Gad Lewis, or Moalem George Mikhail, who maintain the oral tradition passed down through generations.