When is the Fast of Saint Mary?

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

The Fast of the Holy Virgin Mary is one of the most beloved fasts in the Coptic Orthodox Church. It lasts for 15 days.

Dates

• Start: 1 Mesra (August 7)
• End: 16 Mesra (August 22)

The fast concludes with the celebration of the Feast of the Assumption of the Body of the Holy Virgin Mary on 16 Mesra.

The Nature of the Fast

This is classified as a second-degree fast. According to our tradition:

• It involves abstinent fasting (refraining from all food and drink), usually until 3:00 PM (the ninth hour).
• The food consumed must be vegan (no animal products).
• Seafood (fish) is permitted during this fast to alleviate the burden on the faithful, as it is a period of great joy and spiritual focus on the Mother of God.

Spiritual Significance

The origins of this fast are rooted in the tradition of the Apostles. After the departure of St. Mary, the Apostles were told by St. Thomas that he had seen her body being carried into heaven by angels. The other Apostles, desiring to see this same vision, fasted for two weeks until God granted them the same revelation of her assumption.

Today, Copts observe this fast with great devotion, often attending daily Liturgies and evening Vespers (Nahda), where special praises and Doxologies are chanted in honor of the Virgin Mary. It is a time for the faithful to seek her powerful intercessions, as she is our "honored intercessor".