Christmas Fast 2024: Dates, Menu, Restrictions, and Rules.

The Christmas Fast is one of the most important periods in the church calendar. This fast lasts for 40 days before Christmas and has some serious prohibitions. Starting from September 1, 2023, the OCU and UGCC switched to the New Julian calendar, which changed the date of most church holidays. The Christmas Fast, or Philip's Fast, lasts from November 15 to December 24, and Christmas is celebrated on December 25.

Rules of the Christmas Fast

The Christmas Fast involves not only restrictions in eating but also an internal attitude. This fast is associated with cleansing from sins, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, and abstaining from entertainment and bad habits. During the fast, believers are called to refrain from eating prohibited foods, pray, and cleanse themselves from sins to prepare with a pure heart, soul, and body for the celebration of the Nativity of Christ.

Allowed Foods During the Christmas Fast

During the Christmas Fast, strict dietary rules are followed, which entail a complete exclusion of meat, eggs, and dairy products from the diet. Depending on the day of the week, allowed foods can vary. On Wednesdays and Fridays during the fast, it is recommended to consume only unprocessed foods that have not been thermally treated. In the final week of the fast, this rule also applies to Monday. During the fast, hot dishes without sunflower oil are allowed on Mondays, while oil can be added on Tuesdays and Thursdays. On weekends, the fast is relaxed and fish and wine can be consumed.

Allowed and Forbidden Foods During the Christmas Fast

During the Christmas Fast, one should avoid:

- any meat products;- dairy products;- eggs;- pasta and baked goods containing meat or dairy products;- fast food and snacks;- alcohol, except for a glass of wine, which is allowed on days when it is permitted.

The diet should consist of the following products:

- legumes: chickpeas, peas, beans, lentils, etc.;- cereals: oats, rice, barley, buckwheat, millet;- vegetables: beets, potatoes, carrots, pumpkins, onions, zucchini, eggplants, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Beijing, and Brussels sprouts, asparagus;- fruits: apples, pears, etc.;- berries and dried fruits;- canned vegetables: cucumbers, tomatoes, sauerkraut, pickled salads, lecho;- mushrooms of any kind;- seeds and nuts for salads or snacks. On some days, eating fish is allowed. The period of the Christmas Fast is divided into three cycles, each of which has its own dietary rules. The strictest restrictions apply closest to the end of the fast.

Cycles of the Christmas Fast:

- first - from November 15 to December 6;- second - from December 7 to December 18;- third - from December 19 to December 24.

Menu for the Days of the First Cycle of the Christmas Fast (November 15 - December 6):

- Monday: hot dishes without oil, plant-based products;- Tuesday: fish and oil are allowed, wine is also allowed;- Wednesday: strict dry food (plant food without thermal processing);- Thursday: fish and oil are allowed, wine is also allowed;- Friday: strict dry food;- Saturday: fish and oil are allowed, wine is also allowed;- Sunday: fish and oil are allowed, wine is also allowed.

Menu for the Days of the Second Cycle of the Christmas Fast (December 7 - December 18):

- Monday: only plant-based food without oil is allowed;- Tuesday: plant-based food with oil is allowed;- Wednesday: strict dry food;- Thursday: plant-based food with oil is allowed;- Friday: strict dry food;- Saturday: hot dishes with oil, fish and wine are allowed;- Sunday: hot dishes with oil, fish and wine are allowed.

Menu for the Days of the Third Cycle of the Christmas Fast (December 19 - December 24):

- Monday: strict dry food;- Tuesday: hot dishes without oil;- Wednesday: strict dry food;- Thursday: hot dishes without oil;- Friday: strict dry food;- Saturday: hot dishes with oil;- Sunday: hot dishes with oil. Note that on December 24, before the appearance of the first star in the sky, one should not eat. After that, the family can sit at the table and begin the Holy Evening.

Who Can Avoid Fasting During the Christmas Fast

People living in frontline areas, including civilians and military personnel, are exempt from the necessity of fasting as they are engaged in important physical work. The church also exempts the elderly, individuals with chronic diseases, pregnant women, and nursing mothers, as well as children under 14, since fasting can negatively impact their health.

Rites

It's important to remember that during the Christmas Fast, the church does not conduct baptism and wedding rites. It is also not recommended to hold weddings during this period, as the fast is dedicated to prayer, repentance, and purification.