The 2024 schedule of abstinence from certain foods and drinks observed by followers of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church provides specific dates for numerous fasting periods throughout the year. These periods vary in length and stringency, encompassing major fasts like Lent (Tsome Nebiyat), the Fast of the Apostles (Tsome Hawariyat), the Fast of the Assumption (Tsome Filseta), the Advent Fast (Tsome Gahad), and numerous weekly fasting days (typically Wednesdays and Fridays). A typical fast might involve abstaining from all animal products, including meat, dairy, and eggs.
This traditional practice holds deep spiritual significance, serving as a time for prayer, reflection, repentance, and enhanced focus on one’s spiritual journey. Historically, fasting within Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity has been viewed as a means of physical and spiritual purification, drawing adherents closer to God and fostering a sense of community among observers. It’s intertwined with the rich tapestry of Ethiopian culture and religious observance, playing a vital role in both personal devotion and communal identity.
