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Questions & Answers

Abstinence from Sex Within Marriage

Faith Q&A › Metropolitan Youssef › Marriage and Family › Abstinence from Sex Within Marriage

The question

I am Orthodox Christian and I am married. My question is, according to our Cannon, is sexual intercourse allowed during fasting days?

The answer

In general, there should be a period where the married couple refrains from sexual activity during fasting days. The length of this time during extended fasts should be determined and agreed upon by the couple so that it is fair and reasonable for both. 

"Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control" (1 Corinthians 7:5). 

Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)

Questions answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab) of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Question 2438 on the Diocese’s Q&A site. Questions and answers © Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. All rights reserved.