Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

On August 1, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church marks start of Theotokos Lent

Photo: Iva Antonova

On July 31, the Orthodox Church celebrates the day before the beginning of the Great Lent dedicated to the Theotokos. It lasts for 2 weeks and ends on August 15 with one of the biggest Christian holidays, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary or Great Virgin Mary.

The fasting period dedicated to Virgin Mary is not as strict as the Easter one. The use of meat, dairy products and alcohol is prohibited. 

On August 6 - the feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, fish is allowed. During the rest of the time, fruits, vegetables, nuts and lean meals are allowed. 

Monday, Wednesday and Friday of the Virgin's Lent are "dry" days - only raw fruits and vegetables, brown bread, olives and dried fruits are allowed. Cooked meals without fat are allowed on Tuesday and Thursday. On Saturdays and Sundays, cooked dishes with a little oil or olive oil and a little red wine are permissible.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Deisis, 1557, from Bachkovo Monastery

The treasures of the National Church Historical and Archaeological Museum in Sofia showcased in a new book

The book "Icons from the National Church Historical and Archaeological Museum" - a huge work of over 500 pages, with more than 700 published photographs and accompanying scientific articles, was officially presented a few days ago. The unique..

published on 3/19/25 5:05 AM
Monument to Monsignor Francesco Galloni in Lodetto di Rovato

Italian bishop Francesco Galloni dedicates his life to the poor and orphans of Bulgaria

A humble military chaplain made his first contact with Bulgaria in 1921, arriving with the mission of searching for Italian soldiers who had disappeared without a trace during World War I. However, he did not remain indifferent to the fate of this small..

published on 3/15/25 8:35 AM

How Slava was saved from oblivion – the story of Bulgaria’s last submarine

Beloslav is a small town on one of the branches of Varna Lake. Yet it is here, in this quiet little town, that the only preserved Bulgarian submarine – Slava – is anchored . It was decommissioned a long time ago, and has now been turned in one of..

published on 3/11/25 7:35 AM