The Orthodox Christians on June 26 entered the Apostles’ Fast, also called the Fast of the Holy Apostles and the Fast of Peter and Paul. This year the fast last for two weeks, until the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul that is celebrated on July 12.

Contacted by IPN, Bishop Oleg Ursu, of “Saint Pious Parascheva Church” of Ialoveni, called on the Christians to fast as well as to pray and repent and to take communion so as to have their sings forgiven. He said that the Apostles’ Fast is not as severe as the other fasting periods as fish, wine and oil are allowed on each Saturday and Sunday and on the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist observed on July 7.

The length of the Apostles’ Fast is variable, being determined by the date of Easter. It may be as short as eight days or as long as forty-two days in duration.

Saints Petru and Paul are considered the chiefs of the apostles and preachers because they contributed to the spread of the Christian teachings in many parts of the world. The apostles were killed by order of Roman Emperor Nero. Saint Paul was beheaded, while Saint Peter was crucified.