The Nativity Fast is also called the Philip Fast or, colloquially, the Filippov Fast, since its eve falls on the day of remembrance of the Apostle Philip (November 27). In Orthodoxy, it is also called the Pentecost, since the fast established in honor of the Nativity of Christ lasts 40 days — until the eve of the bright holiday.
The Nativity Fast probably appeared at the very dawn of Christianity. At least in historical sources it has been mentioned since the 4th century. It is believed that this tradition grew out of the fasting of the eve of the Feast of the Epiphany, celebrated since at least the 3rd century, and later divided into the holidays of the Nativity of Christ and Epiphany.
Initially, the Nativity Fast lasted only seven days, however, in 1166, by decision of Patriarch Luke Chrysoverg, it became forty days old in Orthodoxy. The Armenian Church did not accept this reform and celebrates fasting for seven days.
The Church teaches that fasting is needed so that on the holiday of Christmas people can meet the Son of God with a pure heart, soul and body. As can be seen from this postulate, not only the body is to be cleansed (by abstaining from products that are not suitable for fasting), but also the soul. «The one who believes that fasting is only about abstaining from food is mistaken. True fasting is removal from evil, curbing the tongue, putting aside anger, taming lusts, stopping slander, lies and oath crimes», — John Chrysostom once wrote.
As for daily food, the Orthodox Church prescribes abstaining from meat, eggs, milk and oil of animal origin during the Nativity Fast.
In addition, it is prohibited to consume vegetable oil on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Fish is allowed only on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as on great holidays, for example, on the Day of Entry into the Temple of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Between January 2 and January 6, fasting intensifies: at this time you cannot eat fish even on Saturday and Sunday.
Nowadays, fasting in full accordance with the charter is observed only by church ministers and especially pious believers. For most laity, relaxations are usually allowed. If you plan to adhere to the rules of fasting, take into account your state of health, consult with your doctor and ask for blessings from your father.
The fast ends on the night of January 6-7 with the rise of the first star —, the same one that showed the Magi the path to the baby Jesus.
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