When is Christmas Lent 2024: the exact date when you need to start fasting

>> When does the Christmas fast start in 2024/benzoix

With the transition to a new calendar, many dates of church holidays for Ukrainians have been changed. And this brought certain innovations to the church year, in particular in the matter of the Christmas fast.

One of the most important fasts – the Christmas fast – will now begin earlier, because this year Christmas will be celebrated on December 25. It is the Christmas fast, or Pilipivka, that is the longest and requires strict restrictions from the faithful, emphasizes Radio MAXIMUM!

What is the Christmas fast?

The Christmas fast, or Philipivka, lasts 40 days and is an important period of spiritual and physical purification for Christians. It begins the day after the day of St. Philip the Apostle, so its last day before fasting is the last opportunity to enjoy meat and dairy dishes.

This period prepares believers for the great feast of the Nativity of Christ, making it possible to strengthen the bond with God through fasting and prayer. In ancient times, fasting was believed to include not only restriction of food, but also the rejection of sinful acts and temptations in order to purify the soul.

History of Christmas Fasting

The Christmas fast dates back to the 4th century, when it lasted only 7 days. Only in 1166, in Byzantium, it was extended to 40 days to emphasize the importance of preparing for Christmas. This decision was a recognition that preparation for the birth of the Savior should be as responsible as preparation for Easter.

Why fast?

The main purpose of fasting is spiritual purification, which helps welcome Christmas with a pure heart. This is not only abstinence from fast food, but also the fight against sinful thoughts and habits. For many, Lent becomes a time of self-reflection, repentance and reassessment of life's priorities.

200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000

Dates of Christmas Lent

This year, the Christmas fast, according to the new Julian calendar, which is observed by most Orthodox churches, will begin on November 15 and end on December 24. Some believers remain on the Gregorian calendar, according to which Lent will last from November 28 to January 6. The transition of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine to the Julian calendar was a big step to distance itself from the Russian Church, which opposed these changes.

The Christmas fast will last from November 15 to December 24/Photo by pvproduction

Nutrition rules during fasting

The Christmas fast has three stages, each of which has its own restrictions . Allowed foods on certain days:

• First stage: Fish and wine can be consumed on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday; hot dishes without oil – on Monday; Wednesday and Friday are dry food days. Second stage: Vegetable food without oil is allowed every Monday, oil is added on Tuesday and Thursday, and fish and oil on weekends.
• The third, strictest stage: Hot dishes without oil are allowed only on Tuesday and Thursday, oil – only on Saturday and Sunday, dry food – on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

< /ul>

During fasting, dairy products, meat, eggs, and meat broths are prohibited. Fruits, vegetables, cereals, honey, nuts and legumes are allowed.