Ethiopian Orthodox Fasting Calendar ፆም 2025

Every year, millions of Ethiopian Orthodox faithful commit nearly half the year to fasting, an essential spiritual discipline woven deep into the Ethiopian Orthodox calendar. In 2025, there will be over 240 days of abstinence, prayer, and reflection observed, guided by a rhythm that dates back to the earliest days of the Church around 1600 years ago.

Origins & Significance

Rooted in Scripture and the teachings of the Church Fathers, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church structures its liturgical life around both feasts “Fisik” and fasts “Tsom”. The Ethiopian Orthodox fasting calendar 2025 unfolds alongside the broader Ethiopian Orthodox calendar, including solemn periods with joyous celebrations like Genna (Christmas) and Timkat (Epiphany). Fasting is not simply dietary, it is an opportunity for self examination, repentance, self healing, connection with God and solidarity with the poor.

Major Fasting Seasons

Abiy Tsom (Hudadi): Lasting 56 days (February 17 to April 19, 2025), this Great Fast parallels Western Lent but goes deeper in intensity. Observers take a single evening meal, entirely vegan, commemorating Christ’s 40‑day wilderness fast.

Sene Tsom (Apostles’ Fast): From June 9 to July 12, 2025, believers honor the Twelve Apostles’ post‑Pentecost preparation, the length varies by Easter’s date, but the spirit remains constant: prayerful readiness to spread the Gospel.

Filseta Tsom: August 7–21, 2025, leads up to the Assumption of Mary. This fast underscores her purity and obedience, inviting participants to reflect on humility and devotion.

Shorter, but Sacred

Nenewe Tsom (Nineveh): February 10–12, 2025. A three‑day vigil recalling Nineveh’s dramatic repentance at Jonah’s call, it sharpens hearts for the longer fasts to come.

Gahads (Eves of Feasts): Intensified eves before Christmas (Tahsas 28 → January 6, 2025) and Epiphany (Tir 10 → January 18, 2025), when worshipers enter the great feasts with sober hearts.

Living the Fast Today

Ethiopia’s cities transform during fasting seasons cafés roll out vegan menus, families gather for meals after 3PM. While the rule is only a vegan meal after 3 p.m., exceptions exist for children, the elderly, expectant mothers, and the ill may observe a modified fast under a priest’s guidance. The 50‑day “Feast of Feasts” between Easter and Pentecost offers a jubilant break from abstinence.

Why It Matters

Fasting in the Ethiopian Orthodox tradition is ultimately about more than food, It disciplines the body (“bring it under subjection”), elevates prayer, and cultivates compassion (Isaiah 58:6‑7). Each fasted meal becomes a reminder of Christ’s walk through temptation, sacrifice, and ultimate triumph.
1 Corinthians 9:27