13 Day Fast (Sleeha Nombu)

Wednesday, June 16 is the beginning of the 13-day lent known as 'Sleeha Nombu', which in English translates to the 'Apostles Fast.' The practice of this fast means following in the footsteps of the Apostles (Heb. 13-7) who observed it in fulfillment of the Lord Jesus' words: "The days will come when the Bridegroom shall be taken from them and then shall they fast." (Matt 9:15). After the Ascension of the Lord Jesus to heaven and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples, they started to fast. About this, the following is stated in the Acts of the Apostles: "As they ministered to the Lord and fasted." (Acts 13:2) The fast commences on June 16 and ends with the commemoration of the two chief Apostles, St. Peter and St. Paul on June 29.