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Orthodox fasting

During fasting periods, many Orthodox Christians avoid meat, dairy, and eggs. Fish with backbone is sometimes allowed on set days. Rules differ by calendar and parish.

Fasting practice is regional and personal. This row is a simplified overview, offered with respect, not as a religious instruction.

Eastern Orthodox fasting overviews (parish and liturgical guides); local practice varies. As of September 1, 2026

IncludedExcludedInconsistent

Eating pattern	Meat	Poultry	Fish	Seafood	Dairy	Egg	Honey	Gelatin
Vegan	Excluded	Excluded	Excluded	Excluded	Excluded	Excluded	Excluded	Excluded
Vegetarian (ovo-lacto)	Excluded	Excluded	Excluded	Excluded	Included	Included	Included	Excluded
Ovo-vegetarian	Excluded	Excluded	Excluded	Excluded	Excluded	Included	Included	Excluded
Lacto-vegetarian	Excluded	Excluded	Excluded	Excluded	Included	Excluded	Included	Excluded
Pescatarian	Excluded	Excluded	Included	Inconsistent	Included	Included	Included	Inconsistent
Flexitarian	Inconsistent	Inconsistent	Inconsistent	Inconsistent	Inconsistent	Inconsistent	Inconsistent	Inconsistent
Plant-based	Inconsistent	Inconsistent	Inconsistent	Inconsistent	Inconsistent	Inconsistent	Inconsistent	Inconsistent
Jain (no root vegetables)	Excluded	Excluded	Excluded	Excluded	Included	Excluded	Excluded	Excluded
Buddhist vegetarian	Excluded	Excluded	Excluded	Excluded	Inconsistent	Inconsistent	Inconsistent	Excluded
Orthodox fasting	Excluded	Excluded	Inconsistent	Inconsistent	Excluded	Excluded	Included	Inconsistent

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What Orthodox fasting typically does not include

• Meat
• Poultry
• Dairy
• Egg

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