The fasts of the liturgical year are to be kept in accordance with the Norms of Particular Law of the Byzantine Metropolitan Church sui iuris of Pittsburgh.

Canon 204. On the days of precept, and from the first day of the Great Fast through Bright Monday, the eparchial bishop is not to be absent from the eparchy unless for grave reason.

Canon 838: 1. It is recommended that marriages not take place during the Great Fast nor during the Great and Holy Week.

Canon 880: 2. Strict abstinence is to be observed on the first day of the Great Fast and on Great Friday. Simple abstinence is to be observed on Wednesdays and Fridays of the Great Fast.

Strict abstinence forbids the use of meat and dairy products, including eggs. Simple abstinence forbids the use of meat and meat products. The laws of strict and simple abstinence bind all the faithful of the Eparchy of Parma.

Expectant and nursing mothers, infants, those with serious health conditions, and those under physician’s orders are exempt from the laws of strict abstinence.

Parish priests and monastic superiors, for a just cause, may grant to individuals and families a dispensation of the prescribed strict abstinence or simple abstinence or a commutation to another equivalent penance.

Clerics, catechists, and parents are to see to it that minors are educated in the authentic sense of penance.

Additional Great Fast & Pascha Resources