Pylypivka's Christmas fast: what absolutely cannot be done, so as not to cause disaster

What can't be done during the Christmas fast/Collage by Radio MAXIMUM

The Christmas fast, which is a preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Christ, is also called the Philippian fast among Christians of the Eastern rite, because it begins the day after the feast of the Apostle Philip on November 14.

In In 2024, Lent will begin on November 15, and from this moment believers begin to fast. Radio MAXIMUM will tell you what not to do during the Christmas fast!

What not to do during the Christmas fast

There are moral and behavioral restrictions during the Christmas fast . In particular, it is said that:

• you should not use obscene language or quarrel;
• gossip and sad thoughts should be avoided;
• it is forbidden to engage in gambling, drink alcohol or have fun;
• you cannot participate in weddings or baptisms, only confession and communion are allowed;
• you should not judge others and compare yourself with them .

What can be eaten during fasting

The first days of the fast are not too strict, so the use of fish and oil is allowed. However, nearing the end of the fast, the use of these foods becomes prohibited, and believers must switch to dry food. Refusing tasty food is considered an important part of spiritual growth, because it helps to harden the spirit and internal purification.

Food calendar of the Christmas fast

The general rules of the fast include dietary restrictions:

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meat, milk, cheese, eggs and alcohol;

on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, fasting food is consumed without oil;

on Tuesday and Thursday – vegetable food with oil;

it is allowed to eat fish until December 20;

stricter restrictions are imposed from December 20 to 24, when fish and oil are also prohibited.

Purpose of the Philippian Fast

The main task of the Philippian Fast – spiritual and physical preparation for Christmas. Like other major Christian holidays, Christmas is preceded by a fast, during which believers engage in prayer, repentance, refuse unnecessary entertainment and limit their diet. It is a time of purification, focus, and self-discipline.

When does Christmas Lent end

The Christmas fast ends on Christmas Eve, December 24, with the festive dinner. Christmas is celebrated on December 25 according to the new church calendar. Lent lasts 40 days, unlike the Catholic Lent (Advent), which lasts from November 28 to December 24.

Signs for Christmas Lent

There are several folk signs that are connected’ with the beginning of fasting:

• snowy and cloudy weather on the first day of fasting promises a rainy spring;
• the wind is not will subside by St. Nicholas Day;
• a lot of snow on November 15 – to a bountiful harvest;
• a quarrel during this period may portend trouble next year;
• a find in the post – to happiness, loss – to trouble;
• if a child is born during fasting, it will have a happy fate.

Christmas fasting – it is not only a time of food restrictions, but also an important period for spiritual cleansing and preparation for the celebration of Christmas. All restrictions and practices associated with fasting contribute to a deeper understanding of the holiday, inner peace and unity with faith.