Beginning of the Dormition Fast. RULES of the Fast: In this Fast, the Church calls upon us to emulate the Mother of God, who, prior to her translation into Heaven, was engaged in fasting and prayer without ceasing. The Dormition Fast is not as strict as Great Lent but is stricter than the Apostles' Fast and the Nativity Fast. On Saturdays and Sundays consuming wine and oil is permitted. According to the church ustav, eating fish is permitted on the Feast of the Holy Transfiguration of the Lord.