The “Fast of the Virgin Mary”, which is held for 15 days in August every year, started with the rituals performed in the churches. During the rituals held, all the members of the congregation, especially those who will fast, were wished for a fasting period filled with the blessings of the Lord and the prayers and intercessions of the Virgin Mary.
Sacred rites related to the beginning of the Fast of the Virgin Mary were held in Hatay, especially in Iskenderun, Antakya, Samandağ, Altınözü and Arsuz. The Fasting Period, which starts with the rituals performed, will last until the Feast of the Virgin Mary, which will be celebrated on August 15.
Fasting Message from the Orthodox Church of Antioch
The administrators of the Saints Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch, in their message about the fasting period, pointed out that this fast is held in memory of the Virgin Mary, who is the intermediary between us and the Lord Jesus Christ. The following statements were included in the published message;
“The month of August begins with the Fast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, who is utterly Holy, Immaculate, and Eternal. This fast period is from August 1 to August 15. August 15 is the day when our ‘Mother of Real Life’ Virgin Mary fell into a deep sleep.
Let us fast with Virgin Mary and in her memory, who always shows us her mercy, compassion, love and help; who weptly pleaded for the forgiveness and help of her only Son, Jesus Christ, and mediated between us and the Lord Jesus Christ, Let’s offer her the necessary prayers and praise during this Fasting period; Let’s make the necessary spiritual preparation for her transition to eternal life, which will be celebrated on August 15.
The love and blessings of our Virgin Mary are with us; I wish you to reach these days with health and peace every year…”
Respect and Love for the Virgin Mary
The Virgin Mary Fast is held until the day of the Ascension of the Virgin Mary, the great Christian feast celebrated on August 15. On August 1, the first day of fasting, a ritual of consecration with water is held in Orthodox Churches. Fasting, in the Orthodox tradition of veneration and love for the Virgin Mary, is as strict as Lent, but only on the Feast of the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ, celebrated on August 6, fasting people are allowed to eat fish. (SAT-7 Türk/İlyas Edip TERBİYELİ-İskenderun)
