When Does Orthodox Fasting Start 2024. John the baptist, the forerunner of christ, began his preaching with the message: Orthodox christians begin fasting for easter with the start of great lent, which occurs 40 days before easter sunday, not including sundays.
This extensive calendar includes nearly 250 days of fasting each year, with about 180 days mandated for all believers. The orthodox church teaches that fasting was instituted by god himself.