CAIRO, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Egypt's Coptic Orthodox Church celebrated on Monday the start of the fast of the Virgin Mary that will end on August 22, MENA news agency reported.
This fast is 15 days long and precedes the feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Dormition of the Theotokos).
The celebration will be held at the Monastery of the Virgin Mary in Drunka, Assuit.
The monastery announced that its doors will be opened for visitors on the occasion.
Beginning on the first of Mesra (Aug. 7), the Church celebrates the fast of the Virgin, St. Mary. This fast is near to the hearts of the people and it is practiced with strict asceticism.
Copts in Egypt, especially the women, care for the fast of the Virgin in a manner beyond description.
The fast of the Virgin is an occasion for spiritual revival within the Church. The Church prepares a spiritual program that includes daily sermons, praises and liturgies for the Virgin.
