12 In June, the Apostolic or Peter's fast began
S 12 June in the Russian Orthodox Church begins one of the four fasts of the annual cycle – Peter's fast.
Peter's fast begins on the first day of the second week (Week) after Pentecost, depending on the day of the celebration of Easter, and ends on the feast day of the Holy and All-Powerful Chief Apostles Peter and Paul 12 July (29 June Old Style), Because of this, its duration varies from year to year.
Fasting is established in memory of the holy apostles, That, by receiving the Holy Ghost, by fasting and prayer they prepared themselves for the worldwide preaching of the Gospel. So is the Russian Church, according to Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, "Enters the Fast, in order to adequately prepare ourselves for the glorification of the name of the holy chief apostles Peter and Paul.".
Peter's post is considered less strict, than the Great. The church charter prescribes to abstain only from meat and fish throughout the fast. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays should refrain from fish, Wines and oils, And from the ninth hour to Vespers - and from dry eating. The exceptions are Saturdays and Sundays, Days of remembrance of the great saints and patronal feasts - fish is allowed on these days.
Source: website of the Kursk diocese
