The most ancient practice was for the faithful to fast the entire day before receiving Holy Communion at the evening Pre-sanctified Liturgy. This is still practiced in monasteries and by some pious individuals. An alternative to this would be to fast from breakfast onwards.

However, the most common and widely adopted practice is for one to begin their fast after the noon meal. This means that after lunch (with a cut off time of 1:00 p.m.) you should fast strictly by not partaking of any food or drink if you wish to receive Holy Communion that evening. Obviously this fast also includes candy, cum, cigarettes, etc.

Regarding the morning Pre-sanctified Liturgy, you should maintain the normal fast – no food or drink – as you would for a regular Divine Liturgy.