When Does the Coptic Church Fast?

Besides eating vegan every Wednesday and Friday, the Coptic Church fasts for several periods in the year.

Here are the dates for 2024 (updated 1/8/24):

Jonah’s Fast: February 26 – 28 (no seafood)

Great Lent: March 11 – April 26 (no seafood)

Apostles’ Fast: June 24 – July 11 (seafood allowed except Wed/Fri)

St. Mary’s Fast: August 7 – 21 (seafood allowed except Wed/Fri)

Nativity Fast: November 25 - January 6 (seafood allowed except Wed/Fri)

What’s a good fast without an excellent feast? The next day of each of these fasts is the corresponding feast:

Nativity Feast: January 7-8

Jonah’s Feast: February 29

Feast of the Resurrection: May 5

Apostles’ Feast: July 12

St. Mary’s Feast: August 22

There are many other feasts, so check them out here: Coptic Fasts and Feasts (SUS Copts)