This fast commemorates the fast observed by the disciples after the Ascension of Christ (Acts 10:10; 12:2, 3; 14:21-24; 27:9, 21). It starts on Monday that follows Pentecost and ends on 5 Abib (July 12), when the Coptic church celebrates the feast of the apostle's Peter and Paul. Since the Feast of Resurrection through Pentecost is a movable period, this fast has no fixed duration but varies between fifteen and forty-nine days.

According to the Constitutions of the Holy Fathers 5.20: ". . . after you have kept the festival of Pentecost, keep one week more festival, and after that fast; for it is reasonable to rejoice for the gift of God, and to fast after that relaxation" (Constitutions, 1951, p. 449). The Coptic Orthodox Church, however, starts the fast immediately after Pentecost. [click here to read more]