Dear syndiakonoi (co-servants) in Christ,

Christ is in our midst! He was, is, and ever shall be.

On November 15th Orthodox Christians throughout the world begin the Holy Nativity Fast. During the Nativity Fast, Orthodox Christians, prepare for the great celebration of the Holy Nativity of Christ. The word "nativity" means "birth".

The Nativity Fast is one of the four Canonical Fasting Seasons in the Ecclesiastical year. This is a joyous fast in anticipation of the Nativity of Christ. That is the reason it is less strict than other fasting periods. The fast is divided into two periods. The first period is November 15th through December 19th when the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, dairy, fish, wine, and oil) is observed. There is dispensation given for wine and oil on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Similarly, fish, wine, and oil are permitted on Saturdays and Sundays. The second period is December 20th through 24th when the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, dairy, fish, wine, and oil) is observed. There is dispensation given for wine and oil on Saturday and Sunday during this period.

The purpose of fasting is to focus on the things that are above, the Kingdom of God. It is a means of putting on virtue in reality, here and now. Through it we are freed from dependence on worldly things. We fast faithfully and in secret, not judging others, and not holding ourselves up as an example.

Fasting in itself is not a means of pleasing God. Fasting is not a punishment for our sins. Nor is fasting a means of suffering and pain to be undertaken as some kind of atonement. Christ already redeemed us on His Cross. Salvation is a gift from God that is not bought by our hunger or thirst.
We fast and turn our eyes toward god in His Holy Church. Fasting and prayer go together.
Fasting is not irrelevant. Fasting is not obsolete, and it is not something for someone else. Fasting is from God, for us, right here and right now.
Most of all, we should not devour each other. We ask God to "set a watch and keep the door of our lips."

Do Not Fast:

between December 25 and January 5th (even on Wednesdays and Fridays);
If you are pregnant or nursing a newborn;
during serious illness;
without prayer;
without alms-giving (charity);
according to your own will without guidance from your spiritual father.

(Source: Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese)

We know that some things are "secular" and some things are "sacred." If we spend too much time doing what is "secular" then we have less time for the Almighty God, Who loves each of us and gives us many blessings, for which we must remember to thank Him. A Fasting period helps us to draw closer to God.

Our Holy Orthodox Church teaches that there is a close connection between the body and the soul, so what happens to one affects the other. Fasting means abstaining from (avoiding, or not having, or not doing) certain things such as: speaking evil, slander, adultery, fornication, causing dissension, vulgarity, envy, hatred, deception, causing division within the church, etc. etc. " For He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil" (1 Peter 3:10-12).

Your priest is committed always in protecting you from all kinds of evil and deception. The Evil One does never cease to pursue you and to seek your destruction. Therefore, your priest remains always vigilant and alert to the different kind of threats directed to you, even by fellow parishioners. Do not believe or listen to anyone among you that wants to create doubt, confusion, division and unrest. In our parish, and generally in every parish, there are those who have lost their way, those who have no fear of God and are not there to serve Christ, but the evil one. They are not happy when they witness and see that there is love, friendship, harmony, unity, respect, faith, kindness, prayer, worship, commitment to Christ our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Although they grew up in the Church nothing of Christ has penetrated their hearts.

Trust your shepherd and the guidance of your priest, a priest that has served the Lord for 48 years, seventeen of which have been dedicated to our beloved Saint Andrew. You know how much I love you and I would do everything in my power to protect you and our parish. Those who are attempting to revive the "old" politics and to create conflict within the parish must know that there are consequences for their actions.

Please don't be distracted and remain faithful and committed to our Lord and our Holy Church.

With agape in His Holy Diakonia (Ministry),
+Father George