The Orthodox Christians following the Julian calendar on July 12 celebrate the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, who are considered the pillars of the Orthodox Church. This feast marks the end of the Apostles’ Fast that this year lasted for slightly over two weeks.

Priest Andrei Pargaru, of the Church “Holy Great Martyr Dumitru” of Chetrosu, Anenii Noi, has told IPN that on the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, which falls on the same date, the parishioners come to church to attend the service. Those who fasted can take communion. Even if the fast ends, the Christians are urged to continue to fast on Wednesdays and Fridays, to pray daily and to do good deeds.

St Peter was one of Jesus Christ’s 12 apostles and spent most of his life preaching the Christian gospel after Jesus’ death. He died by crucifixion around 67 CE and is regarded as the Catholic Church’s first pope.

St Paul was converted to Christianity on the road to Damascus shortly after Jesus Christ’s death. He became an influential leader in the Christian church. He was beheaded around the year 67 CE during the Roman emperor Nero’s persecution of the Christians.

Saints Petru and Pavel are considered the heads 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.