The Definitive Ethiopian Orthodox Fasting Calendar 2025: All 7 Canonical Fasts Explained
The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church follows one of the most rigorous and ancient fasting calendars in the Christian world, a spiritual discipline that spans over 180 days a year. As of the current date, December 23, 2025, this guide provides the definitive, up-to-date Gregorian dates for all seven major canonical fasts (*Tsom*) in the 2025 calendar year, corresponding to the Ethiopian calendar year 2017/2018 E.C. (Ethiopian Calendar).
For millions of faithful followers, the Ethiopian Orthodox fasting calendar for 2025 is more than just a schedule; it is a meticulously preserved annual roadmap for spiritual purification, repentance, and renewal. These periods, marked by abstinence from all animal products (meat, dairy, and eggs) and often a restriction on the number of meals, are central to the church's unique theological tradition.
The Seven Canonical Fasts (Tsom) of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church in 2025
The Ethiopian Church mandates seven official fasts, each carrying deep theological and historical significance. The dates for some of the most significant fasts, such as *Abiy Tsom* and *Tsome Nenewie*, are movable, meaning they are determined by the date of *Fasika* (Easter), which falls on a different day each year.
- The Ethiopian Calendar System: It is important to note that the Ethiopian calendar (*Ge'ez calendar*) is approximately 7 to 8 years behind the Gregorian calendar, and the new year begins on September 11th (or 12th in a leap year).
- Fasting Rule: During the fasts, the faithful abstain from meat, dairy, and eggs. Many adherents also observe a strict one-meal-a-day regimen, often eaten in the evening.
1. Tsome Nebiyat (Fast of the Prophets / Advent)
This 43-day fast is observed in preparation for *Lidet* (Christmas). It commemorates the prophets who foretold the coming of Christ and is a period of intense spiritual preparation.
- Start Date: Monday, November 25, 2024
- End Date: Monday, January 6, 2025 (Christmas Eve)
- Duration: 43 Days
2. Tsome Gehad (Eve of Epiphany Fast)
This is a short, one-day fast observed on the eve of *Timket* (Epiphany), which celebrates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River.
- Date: Saturday, January 18, 2025
- Significance: A final cleansing before the major celebration of Epiphany on January 19.
3. Tsome Nenewie (Fast of Nineveh)
A three-day fast commemorating the repentance of the people of Nineveh after the preaching of the Prophet Jonah. It serves as an early, profound call to repentance before the Great Lent. The fast must be observed from Monday to Wednesday, two weeks before the start of *Abiy Tsom*.
- Start Date: Monday, February 10, 2025
- End Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2025
- Duration: 3 Days
4. Abiy Tsom (The Great Lent / Hudadi)
The most significant and longest fast of the Ethiopian Church, *Abiy Tsom* (meaning 'Great Fast'), lasts for 55 days and culminates in the celebration of *Fasika* (Easter). It is a time for deep spiritual cleansing, prayer, and almsgiving.
- Start Date (Clean Monday): Monday, February 24, 2025
- End Date (Holy Saturday): Saturday, April 19, 2025
- Culminating Feast: *Fasika* (Ethiopian Easter) on Sunday, April 20, 2025
- Duration: 55 Days
The Remaining Three Fasts and Their 2025 Dates
Beyond the major fasts leading up to Easter, the Ethiopian Orthodox calendar includes three other essential periods of spiritual discipline, ensuring the faithful maintain a year-round commitment to their faith.
5. Tsome Hawariyat (Apostles' Fast)
This fast begins immediately after Pentecost (*Paracletos*) and concludes on the feast of St. Peter and St. Paul. Its length varies significantly depending on the date of Easter, making it one of the most variable fasts in the calendar.
- Start Date: Monday, June 9, 2025 (The day after Pentecost)
- End Date: Saturday, July 12, 2025 (Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul)
- Duration: 34 Days
6. Tsome Filseta (Fast of the Assumption)
Also known as the Fast of the Virgin Mary, this 16-day fast is observed in honor of the Dormition and Assumption of the Virgin Mary. It is a period of intense devotion to the Mother of God, and it is widely and strictly observed by the faithful.
- Start Date: Thursday, August 7, 2025
- End Date: Friday, August 22, 2025
- Duration: 16 Days
7. Tsome Arb'a and Wednesday (The Weekly Fasts)
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church also mandates a weekly fast, observed every Wednesday and Friday throughout the year, with the exception of the 50 days between Easter and Pentecost, and the 5 days after Christmas. This means that even outside the major fast periods, the faithful observe a vegan diet twice a week.
- Dates: Every Wednesday and Friday throughout 2025 (excluding the 50 days after Fasika).
- Significance: Wednesday commemorates the day Judas Iscariot conspired to betray Jesus, and Friday commemorates the Crucifixion.
Understanding the Strictness and Spiritual Significance
The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church is renowned for having one of the strictest fasting regimes globally, with over half the year dedicated to some form of abstinence. The fast is not merely a dietary restriction; it is a holistic spiritual exercise encompassing the body and soul. The practice is seen as a crucial path to spiritual cleansing, self-control, and solidarity with the poor.
Key Elements of the Ethiopian Fast (Tsom)
Total Abstinence from Animal Products: The main rule across all fasts is complete abstinence from all animal-derived foods, including meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, butter, and cheese. The diet during these periods is entirely plant-based, focusing on lentils, grains, vegetables, and fruits.
Restriction on Meals: During the most intense fasts, such as *Abiy Tsom*, many adherents abstain from all food and drink from sunrise until sunset, often only consuming a single meal in the late afternoon or evening. This practice is known as *Tsimet* (Silence) or *Qedase Tsom* (Liturgy Fast).
Theological Foundations: The fasts are rooted in both the Old and New Testaments, drawing inspiration from the 40-day fasts of Moses, Elijah, and, most importantly, Jesus Christ. They are a physical manifestation of repentance, humility, and a desire to draw closer to God. The fasts are not a punishment but a voluntary act of sacrifice and spiritual discipline.
Exceptions: The Church allows exceptions for those who are physically unable to adhere to the fast, including the elderly, the sick, young children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers.
The 2025 Ethiopian Orthodox Fasting Calendar offers a profound opportunity for spiritual growth. By following the ancient rhythms of *Tsom*, the faithful engage in a centuries-old tradition that connects them directly to the early Christian Church and the rich, unique heritage of the Ethiopian Tewahedo faith.
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