Today, August 13, Christians who follow the Julian calendar mark the eve of the Dormition Fast, also known as the Saint Mary Fast. It will begin on August 14 and last until August 28, when the Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God is celebrated. For those who intend to fast, today is the last day when they are allowed to eat animal products. Priest Eugen Onicov, from the Saint Pantaleon Church in Chisinau, told Info-Prim Neo that the Fast lasts two week, and as all other fasts is intended to cleanse the body and spirit through fast and prayer. Christians will be able to commune at monasteries and cathedrals every day and at myrrh churches on holidays and Sundays. Unlike other fasts, this one is stricter. During the two weeks there is only one feast, which falls on August 19, the Feast of the Transfiguration of Jesus, when fish is allowed. The Church always asks the Christians to be pious, to pray, but during the fast parishioners must pray even more, because the eating restrictions are just one aspect which help cleansing the soul, says priest Eugen Onicov. Transfiguration There are 4 fasts during the year – The Great Lent, Nativity Fast, Dormition Fast, and Apostles’ Fast.