Catholics of Minsk-Mogilev Diocese Permitted Not to Fast on January 2
Yet another secular holiday has become a reason for the cancellation of the Friday fast in the Minsk-Mogilev Archdiocese of the Roman Catholic Church. Previously, these were Women's Day and Victory Day , and now — the second day of New Year celebrations, January 2, which is a public holiday in Belarus and falls on a Friday in 2026, writes Katolik.life.
Illustrative photo. Photo: Braslav Online
For Christians, abstaining from meat on Fridays is an ancient practice in remembrance of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Good Friday. Usually, the Friday fast is canceled when Friday falls on solemnities or special festive periods according to the liturgical calendar.
January 2 in the liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church has no feasts or solemnities.
Permission not to observe the fast has also been granted this year for Friday, December 26. This date is the second day of Christmas celebrations, and in Belarus, it is also a public holiday this year.
Minsk-Mogilev Archbishop, Metropolitan Jozef Staneuski explained the granting of dispensation (exemption) from the obligation to abstain from meat as 'spiritual nourishment for the faithful'.
The dispensation is granted to all Catholics of the Minsk-Mogilev Archdiocese, as well as to all who will be on its territory on this day. Those who use the dispensation should say any prayer for the intention of the Pope.
Similar directives from the heads of other dioceses of the Catholic Church in Belarus, as well as from the bishops of the Orthodox Church, have not yet been reported.
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