Fasting Guide
የጾም መመሪያ
The spiritual discipline of the Tewahedo Church — fasting as warfare, not mere abstinence
Ethiopian Orthodox Christians fast between 180 and 250 days per year —
more than any other Christian denomination in the world.
Fasting is not simply abstaining from food. It is spiritual warfare —
a weapon against sin, a means of humility, a path to deeper communion with God.
The body is disciplined so the spirit may soar.
Through fasting, the faithful participate in the sufferings of Christ, mortify the flesh,
and prepare the soul for the joy of feast days.
ሁዳዴ (ጾመ ዓቢይ ጾም)
55 Days
The most sacred and strictest fasting period of the year, observed for 55 days before
Easter. It commemorates the 40 days Christ fasted in the wilderness, plus Holy Week
and one week of preparation. Fasting is complete — no animal products whatsoever.
Spiritual Meaning: A journey into the desert with Christ. The faithful
battle temptation, crucify the flesh, and prepare for the Resurrection. This is the
pinnacle of the Orthodox fasting tradition.
ጾመ ነነዌ (Tsome Nenewe)
3 Days
A three-day fast commemorating the repentance of the people of Nineveh after hearing
the preaching of the prophet Jonah. It is observed two weeks before the beginning
of Great Lent.
Spiritual Meaning: True repentance brings salvation. Just as the
Ninevites turned from wickedness and were spared, so too can the faithful find mercy
through fasting and prayer.
ጾመ ገሐድ (Fast of the Prophets)
40 Days (or 43)
The 40-day fast before Christmas (Genna), also called the Fast of the Prophets.
It begins on November 25 in the Ethiopian calendar and ends on Christmas Eve.
Some count 43 days to align with the Western calculation.
Spiritual Meaning: Preparation for the Incarnation. As the prophets
awaited the Messiah, the faithful await the celebration of His birth through fasting,
prayer, and purification.
ጾመ ፍልሰታ (Tsome Filseta)
15 Days
A 15-day fast in August leading up to the Feast of the Assumption of Mary (Filseta).
It honors the Dormition and Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the Theotokos
(God-bearer), into heaven.
Spiritual Meaning: Honoring the Mother of God. The faithful fast
in imitation of Mary's purity and humility, and in preparation for the great feast
celebrating her assumption into glory.
ጾመ ሐዋርያት (Tsome Hawaryat)
10–40 Days (Variable)
This fast begins after Pentecost and lasts until the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul
(Hamle 5). Its length varies from 10 to 40 days depending on the date of Easter.
It commemorates the missionary work and martyrdom of the Apostles.
Spiritual Meaning: Following in the footsteps of the Apostles.
The faithful fast as they did, preparing themselves to spread the Gospel and endure
persecution with steadfast faith.
ጾመ ረቡዕ (Tsome Rebu)
Every Wednesday (Weekly)
Every Wednesday is a fasting day throughout the year (except during non-fasting
seasons). It commemorates the betrayal of Christ by Judas Iscariot.
Spiritual Meaning: Remembering the treachery of Judas and the
deceitfulness of sin. The fast is a guard against betrayal and a call to faithfulness.
ጾመ ዓርብ (Tsome Arb)
Every Friday (Weekly)
Every Friday is a fasting day throughout the year (except during non-fasting seasons).
It commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ on Good Friday.
Spiritual Meaning: Participating in the sufferings of Christ.
The fast sanctifies the day of His sacrifice and reminds the faithful of the cost
of their salvation.
