The Assumption fast has begun, which is why the City Day in Yekaterinburg has been postponed.

      In Russia today, August 14, Orthodox believers begin a two-week Assumption fast. It precedes the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is celebrated on August 28, reports RIA Novosti.

      The fast is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and concludes with the feast of Her Assumption (August 28) — this day is already not a fasting day, it is stated in the channel of the Yekaterinburg Diocese.

      "According to the Tradition of the Church, before Her Assumption (peaceful passing), the Mother of God fervently fasted and prayed to the Lord," the essence of the Assumption fast is explained there.

      During the Assumption fast, believers should pray more and at least read the Akathist to the Blessed Virgin Mary once, said Hieromonk Theodorite (Senchukov) to RIA Novosti.

      During the Assumption fast, according to monastic rules, meat, eggs, milk, and dairy products are not consumed, as well as fish except for one day.

      "The fast is necessary so that we do not simply disconnect from spiritual life. This is the only fast that is directly dedicated to the Mother of God. In this regard, many pray to her especially, for example, reading the Akathist to the Blessed Virgin Mary every day. I think it is definitely worth reading it at least once during this fast," said Father Theodorite.

      The hieromonk noted that during the Assumption fast, as with any other fast, the main thing is to pay more attention to spiritual life, to be in the temple more often, to confess, and to partake of the Eucharist.

      It should be noted that this year, at the request of the Yekaterinburg Diocese, deputies and the administration of Yekaterinburg changed the date of the City Day celebration from the third to the first Saturday of August. If the changes had not been made, the authorities of Yekaterinburg would have been conducting an entertainment program for the citizens today and tomorrow. "In terms of its strictness, the Assumption fast is equated to the Great Lent," it is stated in the channel of the Yekaterinburg Diocese.