The Nativity Fastthematically focuses on glorification of the Incarnation of God; the Western Advent focuses on the two comings (or advents) of Jesus. Traditional Orthodox fasting is no simple task: It means giving up meat and dairy, in addition to fish, wine and oil (fish, wine and oil are, however, permitted on specific days).
When is the Nativity Fast in the Eastern Orthodox Church?
Beginning of the Nativity Fast in the Eastern Orthodox Church Date in the current year: November 28, 2021 The Nativity Fast is one of the two longest fasts in the Eastern Orthodox Church, the other one being Great Lent (both last forty days).
What is the Nativity Fast and why is it important?
Beginning on November 15 and concluding on December 24, the Nativity Fast gives individuals the opportunity to prepare for the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior in the Flesh on December 25.
How long do Orthodox Christians fast?
During the course of a year, Orthodox Christians fast between 180-200 days. Diligently following the fasting guidelines of the Church can be quite an undertaking. Especially if you are new to the Faith.
When does Nativity Fast begin and end?
Until February 1918, Russia, like most Orthodox countries, had Nativity Fast according to the Julian calendar. Meanwhile, in Europe, starting in 1582, the reformed calendar, introduced by order of Pope Gregory XIII, gradually spread. In the year of the introduction of the new calendar, 10 days were skipped (instead of October 5, October 15 was counted). In the future, the "Gregorian" calendar skipped leap years in years ending in "00", except when the first two digits of such a year form a multiple of "4". That is why 1600 and 2000 did not cause any "progress" in the usual system of translation from the "old style" to the "new". However, in 1700, 1800 and 1900 leap years were skipped, and the difference between styles increased, respectively, to 11, 12 and 13 days. In 2100, the difference will increase to 14 days.
What is the fasting day for the Nativity?
According to the rules of abstinence, the Nativity fast is close to the Peter (Apostolic) fast . During the Holy Nativity fast, church guidelines are excluding meat, dairy products and eggs on all days, and on Wednesdays and Fridays, if it is not a Great or Patronal holiday, fish is excluded. From January 2 (December 20), fasting is stricter and fish is not consumed until Nativity. The strictest abstinence is on January 6 (December 24), on Nativity Eve – Nativity Eve. According to pious tradition for Nativity fast in Russian Orthodox Church on this day they do not eat until the first star, which marks the star of Bethlehem, which led the tree Wise Men to the Infant Christ.
When is the nativity of Christ celebrated?
The fact is that the date of the Nativity of Christ is not exactly known. Different churches defined it differently. In the Church of Alexandria it was April 18, the African tradition adhered to March 28, the Eastern one – January 6, and Rome – December 25. As we can see, the Roman tradition prevailed everywhere. The exception is the Armenian Church, where Nativity is celebrated in accordance with the ancient Eastern tradition on January 6/19. In the Church of Constantinople, the feast of Nativity was established in the late 370s. This is evidenced by the separate words pronounced by Gregory the Theologian, Archbishop of Constantinople, "two words: December 25, 380 – for Nativity and January 6, 381 – for Epiphany." In the Church of Antioch, this happened, as already mentioned, in 386-387, and possibly earlier – around 370, then "in the Churches of Asia Minor and later – in Alexandria (in the early 430s)."
How to not feel hungry?
In order not to feel hungry, it is advisable to eat 4-5 times a day. Do not forget to drink at least 1.5-2 liters of liquid a day. Fresh juices, non-carbonated mineral water and green tea are useful.
Did the Church of Jerusalem separate the nativity and the epiphany?
The Jerusalem Church has long resisted the separation of Nativity and Epiphany. Festive syncretism persisted until Emperor Justinian wrote around 560/561 a message "On holidays: Annunciation and Nativity, Candlemas and Baptism" addressed to the Church of Jerusalem under Patriarch Eustochius (552-563/564). The Emperor complained, "that the dates of the holidays of the Annunciation (March 25) and Candlemas (February 2) are violated there. Referring to the Gospel of Luke (Luke 1, 26-56), Justinian also cited a number of authoritative opinions of the fathers: Saints Gregory the Theologian, Gregory of Nyssa and John Chrysostom, as well as a text under the name of Blessed Augustine of Hippo, trying to convince his addressees to accept a separate holiday of Nativity." These recommendations were implemented, but after the death of Justinian (565).