Fast of the Holy Apostles

Fast of the Holy Apostles

June 26th is the commencement of the 3-Day Fast of the Apostles (Sawme d'S'hlihe tlotho yaumin) according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church. The practice of this fast means following in the Apostle’s footsteps (Heb. 13:7) who fasted it in fulfillment of Lord Jesus’ words: “The days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast” (Matt. 9:15). After the Ascension of Lord Jesus to heaven and the outpouring of the Holy Ghost on the disciples, they started to fast. In reference to this the following is stated in the Acts of the Apostles: “As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted” (Acts 13:2). The duration of this fast differed in length based on the the date of Easter & also varied between the Patriarchate and Maphrianate. 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 feast of the two chief Apostles, St. Peter and St. Paul on June 29. May the intercession of the Holy Apostles be with us during this fasting period. May our prayers and fasting be pleasing unto God. Amen History of the Apostles Fast in Malankara Jacobite Syriac Orthodox Church (courtesy Hymonutho): https://bit.ly/2ZcRdUe