Dormition Fast (August 1–14): Free Orthodox Meal Plan & Recipes
The Dormition Fast begins on August 1st and lasts until August 14th inclusively. During this period which precedes the the Dormition or falling asleep, of the Theotokos or Virgin Mary, many Orthodox Christians abstain from eating meat, dairy, eggs. On certain days fish is permitted. This Dormition Fast Meal Plan offers appropriate recipe ideas for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.
What is the Dormition Fast?
The Dormition Fast is one of the four major fasting periods observed in the Orthodox Christian Church. Beginning on August 1 and continuing through August 14, it is a two-week period of spiritual preparation leading up to the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos (the Virgin Mary) on August 15. The word Dormition means “falling asleep” and refers to the peaceful death of the Theotokos before her assumption into heaven.
During the Dormition Fast, many Orthodox Christians abstain from meat, poultry, dairy products, eggs, and, on most days, fish. Olive oil and wine are also restricted on certain days, although fasting practices may vary according to local tradition and personal circumstances. Fish is traditionally permitted on August 6, the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, even though it falls during the fast.
While fasting often focuses on food, its true purpose is spiritual. The Dormition Fast encourages prayer, repentance, acts of charity, and preparation of both body and soul for one of the Church’s most beloved feast days.
To help make meal planning easier, I’ve created this free printable Dormition Fast Meal Plan, featuring two weeks of delicious Greek Orthodox fasting recipes, a convenient shopping list, meal prep tips, and simple, nourishing meals the whole family can enjoy.
What Foods Are Allowed During the Dormition Fast?
During the Dormition Fast, meals are primarily plant-based, focusing on simple, wholesome foods that have long been staples of Mediterranean cuisine. Fresh vegetables, fruits, legumes, grains, nuts, seeds, herbs, and bread form the foundation of many traditional fasting meals, making this a wonderful time to enjoy nourishing recipes that are both satisfying and full of flavour.
Many Orthodox Christians also enjoy shellfish and seafood, such as shrimp, squid, octopus, mussels, clams, and scallops, since these are generally permitted throughout the fast. Fish is traditionally permitted only on August 6, the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, while olive oil and wine are restricted on certain days according to the fasting calendar.
Because fasting traditions can vary between Orthodox jurisdictions and according to personal circumstances, it’s always best to follow the guidance of your parish or spiritual father. This meal plan is based on the fasting calendar published by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and is designed to make planning delicious, family-friendly meals throughout the Dormition Fast both simple and enjoyable.
Foods Commonly Enjoyed During the Dormition Fast
✅ Vegetables and salads
✅ Fruits and berries
✅ Legumes (lentils, beans, chickpeas)
✅ Rice, pasta, grains and bread
✅ Nuts and seeds
✅ Olives and olive products (on permitted days)
✅ Shellfish and seafood (such as shrimp, squid, octopus, mussels, and clams)
✅ Fish on the Feast of the Transfiguration (August 6)
Why This Dormition Fast Meal Plan Works
Sure, there are a lot of meal plans out there, but this meal plan for the Dormition Fast is really special and incredibly useful. Here are a few reasons why I think you will love it as much as I do:
Three meals a day, and a snack or dessert
This meal plan gives you great options for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Snacks or Dessert. This is really useful if you are feeding a family and want to plan out your meals ahead of time. It also avoids eating peanut butter sandwiches for lunch every day!
Recipes are easy to access!
Every recipe in this meal plan comes straight from either the Mia Kouppa website, or one of the Mia Kouppa e-books. In either case, all you have to do is click on the recipe title to be taken directly to the recipe post or to the e-book page. There are other recipe ideas that don’t require a recipe (ex. oatmeal with plant-based milk).
Tried-and-Tested Recipes
The recipes included in this meal plan are some of our readers’ favourites and have been tested many times in our kitchen. They’re easy to follow, made with simple ingredients, and are recipes we prepare again and again for our own families.
Fasting days are clearly marked
Throughout the Dormition Fast there are days that are strict fast days, when many people abstain even from oil and wine, and then there are other days where fish is permitted. The type of fasting day is clearly marked on the calendar with the use of a legend, and recipes are easily adaptable, if necessary.
More than just a meal plan
This meal plan is based on the fasting calendar published by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and includes links to information about important feast days observed during the Dormition Fast, making it a helpful companion throughout this holy season.
It is FREE to download!
This meal plan was created to help make planning for the Dormition Fast easier. Simply download the printable PDF and keep it on your phone, tablet, or refrigerator for easy reference throughout the fast.
Download Your Free Dormition Fast Meal Plan
Planning meals during the Dormition Fast doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We’ve created this FREE printable Dormition Fast Meal Plan to help make fasting simpler, more organized, and more enjoyable.
Inside you’ll find:
- ✅ A complete 14-day meal plan for the Dormition Fast (August 1–14)
- ✅ A printable shopping list
- ✅ Traditional Greek Orthodox fasting recipes
- ✅ Meal prep and planning tips
- ✅ Hydration and wellness reminders
- ✅ Easy, family-friendly meals for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks
Whether you’re observing the Dormition Fast for the first time or it has long been part of your family’s tradition, this meal plan takes the guesswork out of planning delicious fasting meals.
⬇️ Download your FREE Dormition Fast Meal Plan below and start planning today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Dormition Fast the same every year?
Yes. The Dormition Fast is observed every year from August 1 through August 14, leading up to the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos on August 15. Unlike some other Orthodox fasting periods, these dates remain the same each year.
What foods are allowed during the Dormition Fast?
The Dormition Fast emphasizes simple, plant-based meals made with vegetables, legumes, grains, fruit, nuts, and seeds. Shellfish and seafood such as shrimp, squid, octopus, mussels, and clams are generally permitted, while fish is traditionally allowed only on August 6, the Feast of the Transfiguration. Because fasting practices vary among Orthodox jurisdictions and individuals, it’s always best to follow the guidance of your parish or spiritual father.
Can you eat fish during the Dormition Fast?
Fish is traditionally permitted only on August 6, the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. On the remaining days of the fast, many Orthodox Christians abstain from fish, although shellfish and other seafood are generally permitted. Individual fasting practices may vary.
Is this meal plan suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! Whether you’re observing the Dormition Fast for the first time or have been fasting for many years, this meal plan is designed to make planning simple. It includes easy, family-friendly recipes made with wholesome ingredients, along with a printable shopping list and meal planning tips.
Why are so many Greek dishes suitable for Orthodox fasting?
Traditional Greek cuisine includes a wide variety of naturally plant-based dishes made with vegetables, legumes, grains, herbs, and olive oil. Many of these recipes have been enjoyed during Orthodox fasting periods for generations, making Greek cuisine an excellent source of delicious, satisfying meals throughout the Dormition Fast.
Can I substitute recipes in the meal plan?
Of course. This meal plan is intended to be flexible. Feel free to swap meals based on your family’s preferences, dietary needs, or the ingredients you have available. The goal is to make the Dormition Fast enjoyable and practical while supporting your spiritual journey.
Where can I find the recipes?
Each recipe listed in the meal plan links directly to the full recipe on Mia Kouppa or, where applicable, one of our eBooks. Simply click the recipe title in the printable meal plan to access detailed instructions and helpful tips.
Recipes in the Dormition Fast Meal Plan
There is so much to love in this meal plan, and something for everyone. I love all the recipes in the meal plan but some are truly Reader Favourites. These are identified with a ⭐ and include Fakes (Greek Lentil soup) as well as Roasted cauliflower and kale salad and Shrimp and rice. The meal plan also include recipes that use fish, perfect for the one day during the fast that fish is permitted. You will find Potato salad with smoked herring and Cod and skordalia, really delicious meals that are pretty easy to make! Of course there is more! Each day of this important fasting period, you will find recipe ideas for orthodox fasting breakfast, lunch, dinner as well as a snack or dessert.
For more lenten (fasting) recipe ideas, check out this compilation of some amazing lenten recipes!
What is the meaning of the Dormition of the Theotokos?
The Theotokos is the Virgin Mary, and on August 15th we celebrate her Dormition, or falling asleep. On this day, after dying a natural death, the Orthodox church teaches that Mary’s soul was received by Christ upon death and that her body was resurrected on the third day after her repose, at which time she was taken up, bodily only, into heaven. This event then is a day of celebration in Greece, as we celebrate the reunion of mother and her son.
When is the Dormition Fast?
The Dormition Fast is the period which precedes the Dormition of the Theotokos. It begins on August 1st and ends on the 14th of August, inclusively. During this time, which is one of four major fasting periods in the Orthodox calendar (the other three being the Apostles Fast, the Nativity Fast and Great Lent), many faithful will abstain from eating meat, eggs and dairy. On certain days, people even abstain from oil and wine.
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We hope this meal plan helps make the Dormition Fast a little easier, more organized, and filled with delicious meals your family will enjoy.
📥 Download your FREE printable Dormition Fast Meal Plan here:
If you try any of the recipes, we’d love to see them! Tag us on social media and share your favourite Mia Kouppa fasting meals with us.
As always, ladies, your meal plan reminds me of so many dishes I need to make again (or try for the first time). And so appropriate for the oppressive heat. Thanks again.
Thank you Charles! You are so supportive and we really appreciate you taking the time to let us know that you find our work helpful and inspiring! xoxo Helen & Billie
I am always looking forward to your meal plans for the feast days!!.Thank you immensely for your wonderful recipes and the comments regarding what is permitted or not.These recipes not only help me to vary my meals ,but permit me to complete the fasting period with ease.
God bless you and your families.
Hi Betty! Thank you so much for your comment. We truly are grateful that you find these meal plans helpful. Thank you for letting us know that you appreciate the care and love we put into them. Have a blessed fast. xoxo Helen & Billie