What Is the Apostles' Fast in the Orthodox Church?

The Apostles' Fast is a fasting season associated with the period after Pentecost and the feast of the chief apostles Peter and Paul.

Why does its length change? Its beginning is connected with the movable Paschal cycle, while the feast of Peter and Paul has a fixed calendar date. As a result, the number of fasting days varies.

What is its purpose? Like other Orthodox fasts, it joins restraint in food with prayer, repentance, worship, and generosity.

For the feast that precedes this season, see What Is Pentecost in the Orthodox Church?.