My beloved spiritual children in Christ Our Only True God and Our Only True Savior,
CHRIST IS IN OUR MIDST! HE WAS, IS, AND EVER SHALL BE.
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ON NOVEMBER 15th OUR HOLY ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHURCH BEGINS THE 40 DAY-NATIVITY FAST OBSERVED BY ORTHODOX CHRISTIANS WORLDWIDE
The Nativity Fast is a period of abstinence and penance practiced by the Orthodox Christians, in preparation for the Divine Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (December 25th). The holy fast runs 40 days and focuses on the proclamation and glorification of the Incarnation of God.
Sometimes the fast is called Saint Philip's Fast as it traditionally begins on the day following the Feast of Saint Philip the Holy Apostle (+ November 14th).
In our Holy Orthodox Christian Church, the fast entails fasting from red meat, poultry, meat products, eggs, dairy products, fish, oil, and wine are permitted on Saturdays and Sundays, and olive oil and wine allowed on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The fasting rules permit fish, wine and olive oil on certain feast days that occur during the course of the fast: the feast-days of Saint Matthew (Nov. 16), Saint Andrew (Nov. 30th), Great-Martyr Saint Barbara (Dec. 4th), Saint Nicholas (Dec. 6th), Saint Spyridon and Saint Herman of Alaska (Dec. 12th), etc.
As is always the case with Orthodox fasting rules, persons who are ill, the very young or elderly, and nursing mothers are exempt from fasting. Each Orthodox Christian should confer with their father confessor regarding an exemption from the fasting rules, rules, but should never place themselves in physical danger.
There has been some ambiguity about the restriction of fish, whether it means the allowance of invertebrate fish or all fish. Often, even on days when fish is not allowed, shellfish may be eaten.
The Eve of Nativity (Dec. 24th) is a strict fast day, called in Greek Paramony (lit. a day of "preparation"). If Paramony falls on Saturday or Sunday, the day is not observed as a strict fast, but a meal with wine and olive oil is permitted following the Divine Liturgy, which would be celebrated in the morning.
On December 25th, the Afterfeast of the Nativity of Christ begins. From that day to January 4th (the day before Theophany Eve) is a fast-free period. The Eve of the Theophany (January 5th) is another strict fast day (Paramony).
During the course of the fast, a number of feast days celebrate those Old Testament Prophets who prophesied the Divine Incarnation; for instance: Obadiah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Daniel and the Three Holy Youths. These last are significant not only because of their perseverance in fasting, but too because their preservation unharmed in the midst of the fiery furnace is interpreted as being symbolic of the Incarnation--the Ever-Virgin Mary conceived God the Logos/Word in her womb without being consumed by the fire of the Godhead.
As is true of all the Four Orthodox Fasts, a Great Feast falls during the course of the fast; in this case, the Entry of the Theotokos (Nov. 21st). After the Apodosis (Leave-taking) of that feast, hymns of the Holy Nativity are chanted on Sundays and higher-ranking feast days.
It is wise for all Orthodox Christians to know and understand that abstinence from food stuffs is important, however, what is even more significant is implementing the Divine Commandments of our Lord Savior Jesus Christ, i.e., abstaining from sin, repenting of all our transgressions, loving our neighbor, forgiving our enemies and praying for their salvation, living a virtues life to the best of our ability, abstaining from gossip and slander, removing pride from our hearts, avoiding evil thoughts through prayer and fasting, and strengthening our alms (charity) to those in need, studying the Holy Scripture and the holy writings of the Holy Fathers and Mothers of the Church, living a virtues life, becoming more humble and meek, the New Life according to our Lord. (Source: Wikipedia)
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"Glory Be To GOD For All Things!" - Saint John Chrysostomos
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With sincere agape in His Holy Diakonia (Ministry)
The sinner and unworthy servant of God
+Father George