The Coptic Orthodox Church has maintained the fast on Wednesdays and Fridays as a fundamental pillar of spiritual life since the apostolic era. These are among the oldest fasts in the church, and breaking the fast is only permitted for compelling reasons such as illness. The Wednesday fast commemorates the conspiracy to hand over and arrest Jesus Christ, while the Friday fast symbolizes the day of redemption, Christ’s crucifixion, and death. Therefore, the apostles considered Friday a sacred day for fasting and prayer. The church views this fast not merely as a formal ritual but as a spiritual practice that deepens life and invites reflection on the meanings of faith, sacrifice, and redemption. It serves as a weekly reminder of salvation values and a renewed opportunity to draw closer to God.

It is worth noting that the Coptic Church is a living extension of the ancient apostolic church, following the path of the fathers and Saint Mark the Apostle, with fasting days exceeding 200 days annually.