Fast of the Holy Apostles begins (old date)

Fast of the Holy Apostles begins (old date)

Note: The inclusion of this event in the online calendar is for educational purposes, and to remind the faithful of the mercy of our Lord as shown through the Holy Synod in granting us a shortened fasting period. Please follow the fasting period as per Patriarchal Encyclicals and guidance from one's spiritual father.June 16th the Syriac Orthodox faithful in Malankara (India) begin the Fast of the Holy Apostles (Sawme d'S'hlihe). The duration of this fast differed in length based on the the date of Easter and also varied between the Patriarchate and Maphrianate. In Malankara, this fast traditionally began on the 16th of June every year and ended on the 29th with Holy Qurbono. As written by late Patriarch the thrice blessed HH Mor Ignatius Zakka I of blessed memory in his article about fasting, "By virtue of a decision taken by the Council of Homs in 1946, the duration of this fast was shortened to three days starting on June 26 and ending with the commemorative day of the two chief Apostles, St. Peter and St. Paul on June 29." This shortening of the fasting duration was also at the request submitted by the hierarchy of the Church in India to late Patriarch the thrice blessed HH Mor Ignatius Aphrem I Barsoum of blessed memory. However, it is common for the faithful of Malankara to follow the status quo and begin their fast on June 16th even to this day; fasting for 13 days in commemoration of the 12 Apostles and St. Paul.Arabic article on fasting by late HH Mor Ignatius Zakka I: https://goo.gl/y1Dt2MFast of the Apostles in the Early Church and in Later Syrian and Coptic tradition: https://tinyurl.com/25ey469s History of the Apostles Fast in Malankara Jacobite Syriac Orthodox Church (courtesy Hymonutho): https://bit.ly/2ZcRdUeThis Malayalam hymn from the Qolo of Ramsho (Evening prayers) of Wednesday's Sh'himo (known as sleeba namaskaram in Malankara), seeks the intercession of the 12 apostles for blessing of the 12 months of the year: https://youtu.be/y_r3zzZNa7sMay the intercession of the Holy Apostles be with us during this fasting period. May our prayers and fasting be pleasing unto God. Amen