Orthodox Christians enter Nativity Fast

The icon of the Nativity. Photo: open sources

On November 28 (November 15 according to the Julian calendar), Orthodox Christians entered the period of the Nativity Fast, which will last 40 days until the bright feast of the Nativity of Christ.

The Nativity Fast, also known as Philip's Fast (starting the day after the commemoration of the holy Apostle Philip), is one of the four multi-day fasts of the church year. It will end on January 6, 2025, on Christmas eve.

This is a time of spiritual purification and preparation for one of the main Christian holidays. The fast calls believers to repentance, prayer, and spiritual improvement.

According to the church statute, the Nativity Fast is less strict than Great Lent, but it requires believers to consciously limit themselves and work on their spiritual improvement.

During these forty days, believers are recommended to:

• abstain from animal-based foods (meat, dairy products, eggs);
• limit fish consumption (allowed on Saturdays, Sundays, and certain feast days);
• intensify prayer;
• perform acts of mercy and charity;
• refrain from entertaining activities.

Previously, the UOJ wrote about the spiritual features of the Nativity Fast.

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