St Peter and St Paul Fast, June 15 – 29.

Monday, June 15th begins the two-week fast of Sts Peter and Paul.

“Their martyrdom in Rome is a very well-attested historical event, happening probably between the years 64 and 68 A.D. under the Roman emperor Nero. This is considered within the Church to be such a great feast that it is preceded by a prescribed time of fasting, a practice only reserved otherwise for the great feasts of the Lord (Nativity and Pascha) and the Mother of God (Dormition). This both stresses the historical greatness of these two apostles, the accomplishments of their respective ministries, their martyric ends, and the very ministry and role of an apostle in proclaiming the Gospel to the world in fulfillment of the Lord’s command to preach the Good News to “all nations” [Matthew 28:16-20]. Indeed, Saint Clement of Rome in his First Epistle, referred to Saints Peter and Paul as “the greatest and most righteous pillars [of the Church].” – oca.org