Ethiopian Orthodox fasting calendar

How Ethiopian Orthodox fasting works

The Ethiopian and Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo churches have more fasting days than almost any other church: up to about 180 days a year for lay people and more for clergy. Fasting (ጾም, tsom) means a vegan diet: no meat, eggs, milk, butter or other animal products. Fish is allowed on most fasts. Observant believers also eat nothing until midday or mid-afternoon, after the church service, on most fast days.

Children, the sick, pregnant women and travellers are exempt from the strict rules. This is why Ethiopian restaurants worldwide are known for their yetsom beyaynetu, the colourful fasting platter of lentils, chickpeas, greens and vegetables.

Abiy Tsom (Great Lent)

Abiy Tsom (ዐቢይ ጾም), also called Hudade, is the longest and most important fast: 55 days before Fasika. This year it runs from Monday, March 8, 2027 to Saturday, May 1, 2027. It combines three parts: the week of Tsome Hirkal, the forty days of Jesus’ fast in the desert, and Holy Week (Himamat), which starts on Hosanna. Mid-way through Lent the church celebrates Debre Zeit, the Sunday of the Mount of Olives.

The other fasts

• Tsome Nebiyat (Fast of the Prophets): from Hidar 15 to the eve of Genna.
• Gahad: the eve of Timket (and of Genna when it falls on a Wednesday or Friday).
• Tsome Nenewe (Fast of Nineveh): three days, Monday to Wednesday, two weeks before Abiy Tsom, remembering Jonah’s call to Nineveh.
• Tsome Hawaryat (Fast of the Apostles): from the day after Peraklitos (Pentecost) to Hamle 4, the eve of the feast of Saints Peter and Paul. Its length depends on the date of Fasika.
• Tsome Filseta: Nehase 1–15, before the Assumption of Mary on Nehase 16. Many people go to church every day during Filseta, and it is especially popular among young people.
• Wednesdays and Fridays (Tsome Dihnet): every week, remembering the plot against Jesus (Wednesday) and the crucifixion (Friday), except in the 50 days after Fasika.