November 21 - Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple

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 21st OUR HOLY ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHURCH CELEBRATES THE ENTRANCE OF OUR MOST PURE, MOST BLESSED LADY, THE THEOTOKOS AND EVER-VIRGIN MARY, INTO THE TEMPLE OF THE LORD

When the Most Pure and Divine Maiden, the Most Blessed Ever-Virgin Mary the Theotokos, reached the age of three her holy and righteous parents, Joachim and Anna, remembered the vow they had made when they prayed to be delivered from childlessness, promising to offer their offspring as a gift of God. Therefore, as all the ancient holy Fathers testify they called together their relatives living in Nazareth, person of royal and high-priestly lineage, for the righteous Joachim was of royal stock and his spouse Anna was of the high-priestly line. They also assembled a choir of virgins, for whom they had prepared a large number of candles and arrayed the Most Pure Virgin Mary with the splendor befitting a queen. Thus Saint James, the Archbishop of Jerusalem, says on behalf of Joachim, "Summon the undefiled daughters of the Hebrews, that they may take in hand burning candles"; and Saint Germanos, Patriarch of Constantinople, has the righteous Anna speak these words: "To the Lord 'will I pay my vows which my lips pronounced and which my mouth had spoken in mine affliction' (Psalm 65). For this reason I have assembled a choir of virgins bearing candles, called for the priests and for my kindred, and said to them, 'Rejoice with me, the mother of a daughter betrothed not to an earthly king but unto God, the King of Heaven."

Concerning the royal magnificence with which the Divine Maiden was adorned, Saint Theophylactos, Archbishop of Bulgaria, writes, "It was necessary that the Most Divine Maiden should enter the temple in a manner befitting her. It would not have been suitable for the brilliant and costly pearl to be clad in a pauper's rags; rather, royal vesture, which would serve to magnify and adorn her, was meet for the occasion."

When everything necessary had been prepared for the honorable and glorious entrance, the Virgin and those with her departed. Arriving in the city of Jerusalem after a journey of three days, Joachim and Anna proceeded to the Temple and led into it the Living Temple of God, the three-year old Maiden, the Most Pure Virgin Mary. She was preceded by the choir of virgins carrying lighted candles. Saint Tarasios, the Archbishop of Constantinople, relates that Saint Anna said at that moment, "Begin the procession, O candle-bearing virgins, and go before me and the Divine Maiden!"

The parents of the Holy Virgin, one on each side, took the daughter given them by God and gently led her forward with reverence. The multitude followed, candles in hand, surrounding the Most Holy Virgin like stars around a brilliant moon, to the amazement of all Jerusalem. Of this, Saint Theophylactos writes, "The daughter forgets her father's house and is led unto the King, Who greatly desires her beauty. She is brought forth in majesty, with splendor and honor, from her father's house as the people clap their hands, and her kindred and neighbors, bound to her parents by ties of affection, follow.

Joining with the visible choir of pure virgins, the unseen choir of bodiless intellects invisibly accompanied the Most Pure Virgin Mary to the Holy Place, by the Lord's command encompassing her who is God's chosen vessel. Saint George, Archbishop of Nicomedia, writes: "As the Virgin's parents led her to the door of the Temple, she was surrounded by Angels, and all the Heavenly Hosts rejoiced...

"...Thus the All-undefiled Maiden was accompanied not only by men but also by Angels into the Temple of the Lord. And this was truly fitting; for if the ark of the Old Covenant (Testament), in which manna was placed, being a mere type of the Most Pure Virgin, was accompanied by all the people of Israel when it was carried into the Tabernacle of the Lord, it was surely proper that the Living Ark, the Most Blessed Virgin, the Mother of God, who carried within the Manna that is Christ, be escorted by both men and Angels...

"...Saint Jerome writes that there were fifteen steps at the entrance of the Temple, one for each of the hymns of ascent (Psalms 119-133). When the priests and Levites climbed the steps to perform their service, they chanted a Psalm on each one. The Most blameless Maiden was placed on the first step by her righteous parents and made haste to climb the other steps herself, without anyone leading or supporting her. Reaching the uppermost step, she stopped and remained standing there, upheld by God's unseen might, for even at such a tender age, the Lord's power was at work in her, clearly indicating how great would be the grace revealed in her when she reached womanhood...

"...Saint Germanos also writes that when Zacharias took the Maiden by the hand and joyfully led her into the Holy Place, he said to her, "Come, O performance of my prophecy; come, fulfillment of the Lord's pledges; come, O Seal of His covenant; come, accomplished of His mysteries, mirror of all the Prophets! Come, renewal of what has been promised; come, O Light of those who lie in darkness, most divine and newest of gifts, and enter into the Temple of your Lord! Now the Sanctuary here below is opened to men, and soon that above, which before could not be entered."

Rejoicing greatly, the Maiden entered the house of the Lord as though it were a bridal chamber. Although she was very young, only three years of age, she was perfect in the grace of God, for He had foreseen before the creation of the world that she was to become His mother and had foreordained her to bear Him.

Then the High Priest Zacharias did a strange thing which caused all to marvel: he led the Maiden into the inner sanctuary known as the Holy of Holies, beyond the second veil, in which were the "Ark of the Covenant, overlaid round about with gold, and the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat" (Hebrews, Chapter 9). Not only women but even priests were forbidden to enter the inner sanctuary. Only the High Priest went into the Holy of Holies, and that but once a year, yet Zacharias led the Most Pure Virgin directly into the Sacred Tabernacle and permitted her to make use of it as a place of prayer. According to Saints Cyril of Alexandria and Gregory of Nyssa, the other maidens living in the Temple were permitted to pray in the place between the Temple and the altar, where Zacharias was later slain. None of the other virgins were permitted to enter the altar, this having been strictly forbidden them by the chief priests, but from the time of her entry, the Most Pure Virgin was allowed to pray wherever she wished beyond the second veil in the innermost altar...

"...Maidens older than the Most Pure Virgin Mary, acquainted with letters and handiwork, were appointed as her teachers, so that from childhood the Divine Maiden might become familiar with these things. She was frequently visited by her holy parents, Joachim and Anna, and especially visited by her mother Anna, who often came to see and instruct her Most Blessed daughter. Soon the Maiden came to know the Hebrew Scripture well, according to Saint Ambrose and the historian George Kendrinus, and mastered the handiwork taught her...

"As the Virgin grew and her spirit daily increased in strength, her love of labor and prayer grew stronger as well, and she passed from strength to strength until the power of the Most High overshadowed her. The High Priest Zacharias saw with his own eyes how the Angel appeared, bringing her food, as Saint George of Nicomedia relates: "Day by day, as she grew, the gifts of the Holy Spirit grew in her also, and Angels kept company with her...

"...While dwelling in the Holy of Holies, the Most Pure Virgin resolved to live in Angelic purity and to remain ever a virgin. According to the testimony of the holy teachers Gregory of Nyssa, Jerome, and others, she was the first maiden to dedicate her virginity to God, for under the Old Testament it was not the custom to remain unmarried, since wedlock was held in greater esteem than virginity. The Most Pure Virgin was the first in the world to regard virginity as loftier than marriage and to betroth herself to God, Whom she served day and night in chastity. Therefore, by the goodwill of God the Father, the Most Holy Spirit prepared a dwelling-place in her for God the Logos/Word. Unto the Most Holy Trinity, one in essence and indivisible, be Glory and thanksgiving and unto Our Most Pure Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, be honor and praise from every generation unto the ages. Amen. (Source: The Great Collection of the Lives of the Saints)

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DIVINE LITURGY ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21st: 10:00 a.m.

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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 servants of God

+Fr. George

On the Silent and Invisible Warfare

My beloved brothers and sisters 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 THE SILENT AND INVISIBLE WARFARE

Now that we know where the battle we have just begun is to be fought, and what and where our goal is, we also understand why our warfare ought to be called the invisible, warfare. It all takes place in the heart, and in silence, deep within us; and this is another serious matter, on which the holy Fathers by much stress: keep your lips tight shut on your secret! If one opens the door of the steam bath the heat escapes, and the treatment loses its benefit.

Thus say nothing to anyone of your newly conceived purpose. Say nothing of the new life you have begun or of the experiment you are making and experiences you expect to have. All this is a matter between God and you, and only between you two. The only exception might be your father-confessor.

This silence is necessary because all chatter about one's own concerns nourishes self-preoccupation and self-trust. And these must be stifled first of all! Through stillness one's trust grows in Him Who sees what is hidden; through silence one talks with Him Who hears without words. To come to Him your endeavor, and in Him shall be all your confidence: you are anchored in eternity, and in eternity there are no words.

Hereafter you will consider that everything that happens to you, both great and small, is sent by God to help you in your warfare. He alone knows what is necessary for you and what you need at the moment: adversity and prosperity, temptation and fall. Nothing happens accidentally or in such a way that you cannot learn from it; you must understand this at once, for this is how your trust grows in the Lord Whom you have chosen to follow.

Still another piece of information the Saints offer on the way: you should see yourself as a child who is setting out to learn the first sounds of letters and who is taking his first tottering steps. All worldly wisdom and all the skills you may have are totally worthless in the warfare that awaits you, and equally without value are your social standing and your possessions.  Property that is not used in the Lord's service is a burden, and knowledge that does not engage the heart is barren and therefore harmful, because it is presumptuous. It is called naked, for it is without warmth and fosters no love. You must thus abandon all your knowledge and become a dunce in order to be wise; you must become a pauper in order to be rich, and a weakling if you wish to be strong. (Source: The Way of the Ascetics by Tito Colliander)

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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

November 17 - St. Gregory the Wonderworker, Bishop of Neocaesarea

Beloved 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 17th OUR HOLY ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHURCH COMMEMORATES SAINT GREGORY THE WONDERWORKER, BISHOP OF NEOCAESAREA

Here is a man of God and a mighty wonderworker, who was called a second Moses! Born of wealthy and eminent pagan parents, Gregory at first studied Hellenic (Greek) and Egyptian philosophy, but, seeing its barrenness, and insufficiency, he turned to Christian teachers, particularly Origen of Alexandria, with whom he studied for several years and by whom he was baptized. Pure in soul and body, he desired to consecrate himself utterly to Christ, to which end he withdrew to the desert, where, in painful asceticism, he spent many years. His fame spread abroad everywhere, and Phaedimus, the bishop of Amasea, wanted to make him Bishop of Caesarea. The discerning Gregory was warned of Phaedimu's intention, and hid in the wilderness from those sent to find him, so that they failed in their quest. Finally, Phaedimus consecrated him by unorthodox means, and Gregory had to accept the work of a shepherd. The Most Holy Mother of God appeared to him, together with Saint John the Theologian, and, at her command, Saint John gave him the Creed that is known by Gregory's name*. Who can enumerate the miracles of this second Moses? He commanded evil spirits, commanded mountains and waters, healed every sort of pain and illness, became invisible to his persecutors and had insight into both distant events and men's thoughts. He finished his earthly course in the year 270 A.D. in great old age. When he arrived in Caesarea as bishop, the whole town was composed of pagans, with just seventeen Christians. When he departed this life, the whole town was Christian, with just seventeen pagans.  He therefore received a wreath of glory from his Lord in the Heavenly Kingdom.

*The Nicene Creed, that Saint Gregory was instrumental in establishing at the Second Ecumenical Council in 381 A.D. -Translator. (Source: The Prologue from Ochrid)

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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

November 16 - Holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew (Part II)

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 16th OUR HOLY ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHURCH COMMEMORATES THE HOLY APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST MATTHEW (Part II)

The Prince grew angrier and sent a whole company of warriors with orders to bring back the Apostle by force, and to slay anyone who attempted to prevent them from seizing him. When they drew near the church, a light from heaven shone upon the Apostle, concealing him. Overcome by fear, they threw down their weapons and fled, returning to tell the Prince what had happened. The Prince fell into a mighty rage and taking all of his servants, himself went to apprehend the Apostle, but as he approached the church, he was suddenly struck blind and had to ask for someone to guide him. He begged the Apostle to forgive him his sin and give light to his blinded eyes. The Saint made the sign of the Cross over the Prince's eyes, restoring his sight. Although the Prince could see once more with his bodily eyes, the eyes of his soul remained blinded by malice, and he attributed the miracle not to God's power but to sorcery. Taking the Apostle by the hand, he led him to his palace, as though to render him honor. In his heart, however, he planned to burn the Apostle at the stake as a warlock. Perceiving his wicked intention, the Apostle upbraided the Prince, crying, "Deceitful tyrant! When will you finally bring to pass what you have planned? Do what Satan has planted in your heart, for I am ready to endure all things for my God!"

The Prince commanded his warriors to lay hold of Saint Matthew and to stretch him upon the ground facing upward, his hands and feet pegged firmly to the earth. Then the persecutor had his servants bring a large quantity of branches and brushwood, pitch and brimstone, and after heaping all this on Saint Matthew, they set it alight. The fire shot up, and everyone supposed that the Apostle had been consumed in the mighty flames, when suddenly they grew cool and were changed to dew. It could then be seen that Saint Matthew was still alive and was chanting hymns to the glory of God. The people who witnessed these things, and were amazed at the great miracle, praised the God of the holy Apostle, but the Prince became even more obstinate, refusing to acknowledge that it was the might of God which had preserved the preacher of Christ unharmed by the fire. He called the righteous Matthew an iniquitous sorcerer, declaring, "It was by magic that he quenched the fire and survived the flames!"

Again Fulvian commanded that wood, pitch, and sulphur be gathered and that, when it had been place upon the Saint, naphtha be poured over it and lit. Twelve of the Prince's golden pagan idols were place around the fire, and Fulvian called on them for help, asking that by their power Matthew be consumed by the flames; but the holy Apostle prayed to the Lord of Hosts as he lay in the fire, beseeching Him to manifest His invincible power, to reveal the impotence of the pagan gods of the heathen, and to put to shame those who trust in them. Suddenly the flames leaped out towards the golden idols, sounding like a horrible clap of thunder. A fierce heat melted the pagan idols like wax, and many of the unbelievers standing nearby were also burned. Then flame in the form of a serpent issued the melted idols and stretched itself toward the Prince as though it meant to do him harm. Unable to escape the danger threatening him, Fulvian at last cried out humbly to the Apostle, beseeching deliverance. The holy Apostle rebuked the fire, and it died down at once. The Prince wished to make amends by honoring the holy Apostle, but Saint Matthew prayed and immediately surrendered his soul into the hands of the Lord. Orders were issued that a golden bier be brought, upon which was place the precious body of the holy Apostle, which was unharmed by the fire. The Saint's corpse was clothed in costly garments, and Fulvian himself bore it to his palace, assisted by his nobles. After this was done, the casket was sealed on all sides with lead and cast into the sea. Not yet possessing perfect faith, Fulvian said to his nobles, "If He Who kept Matthew whole in the midst of the fire preserves him also in the depths of the sea, then truly He alone is God.  Him will we worship, forsaking all our gods, who were powerless to save us from destruction by fire!"

That night, the Saint appeared to Bishop Plato and said, "Go tomorrow to the shore by the east side of the Prince's palace, and there you shall find my remains, washed up onto thy land."

The following morning, the Bishop went with a multitude of the faithful to the place indicated. There he found the casket. The Prince was informed of this and came down to the shore, now believing without doubt in our Lord Jesus Christ. With a mighty voice he confessed as the One, True God Him Who preserved unharmed His servant Matthew, both while the Saint was alive in the fire and in the deep after his repose. Falling down before the Apostle's casket, he asked forgiveness for his offenses. He requested Holy Baptism, and Bishop Plato, perceiving that the Prince had truly come to believe, agreed to his entreaties. After catechizing him thoroughly, Plato had the Prince enter the waters of the font; and when he placed his hand upon the Prince's head and was about to utter his name, a voice was suddenly heard from on high, which said, "Do not call him Fulvian, but Matthew!"

Thus the Prince received the Apostle's name in Baptism, and sought to emulate the deeds of an Apostle. He soon entrusted his principality to another, renouncing the vanity of this world. He devoted himself to prayer in God's Church and was ordained a Presbyter by the holy Bishop Plato. Three years later, the Bishop reposed, and the holy Apostle Matthew appeared to him who was now Prince, instructing him to have Matthew the Presbyter succeed the blessed Plato as bishop. Matthew labored fervently in the hierarchical rank, proclaiming the Gospel of Christ and turning many from idolatry unto God. After a long, God-pleasing life, he departed to the Lord. Now he stands with the holy Evangelist Matthew before the Throne of God and prays for us, that we also may become heirs of God's Eternal Kingdom. Amen. (Source: The Great Collection of the Lives of the Saints)

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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 God

+Father George

November 16 - Holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew

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 16th OUR HOLY ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHURCH COMMEMORATES THE LIFE AND PASSION OF THE HOLY APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST MATTHEW

When He Who is God and the Only Sinless Son of God, Who came in the likeness of man to save the sinful human race, was leaving Capernaum, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at his custom-booth, and said to him, "Follow Me." Hearing these words not only with his bodily ears but with those of his soul as well, the publican forsook everything and followed after Christ. Christ visited his home, and Matthew set a meal before the Lord; and Matthew's neighbors, friends, and many of his acquaintances, publicans and sinners, came to dine with Jesus and His Disciples. Seeing that the Lord did not shun these people but sat at table with them, the Pharisees and Scribes said to His Disciples, "Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?"

Hearing this, Jesus said, "They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."  

Saint Matthew, who was the brother of James, son of Alphaeus, became a Disciple and emulator of Christ and was deemed worthy to be numbered among the Twelve Apostle. So that the honor of the Apostolic rank might not suffer, the other Evangelist refer to him not as Matthew, son of Alphaeus, but by his other name, Levi, thus concealing his former occupation of publican, since he was known to very few as Levi. Because of his great humility, however, Saint Matthew in his own Gospel speaks of himself using the name Matthew. Thus he acknowledges, as it were, his former sinful way of life before the whole world and offers other sinners an example of humble repentance, assisting them to turn to the Lord and not be ashamed to confess their sins.

It was Saint Matthew who, after the descent of the Holy Spirit, was to write the first of the Gospels. He wrote his Gospel in the Hebrew tongue eight years after the Lord's Ascension, for those among the Jews, who had come to believe. Then he preached the Gospel in various countries, notably Parthia and Media, and also traveled through Ethiopia, which had fallen to him by lot, illuminating that land with the light of understanding of the Holy Gospel. Finally, guided by the Holy Spirit, he went to a country inhabited by black, savage cannibals, entering a city known as Mirmena. There he gained a number of souls for the Lord. He appointed as their Bishop Plato, his companion, and built a little church for them. Then he ascended a nearby mountain, upon which he made his dwelling. He fasted and prayed fervently to God for the conversion of the unbelieving people, and the Lord appeared to him in the guise of a comely youth, holding in His right hand a staff. Christ bestowed His peace on the Apostle and then stretched out His arm to give him the staff, commanding Saint Matthew to descend from the mountain and to plant the staff before the doors of the church he had built. "This staff." said the Lord, "shall take root and by My power grow into a lofty tree. The tree shall bring forth abundant fruit, surpassing all other fruits in beauty and sweetness. A spring of pure water shall flow forth from its root, and the appearance of the cannibals who drink the water shall be changed. They shall lay aside their savage ways, becoming meek and good."

Taking the staff, Saint Matthew came down from the mount and entered the city as commanded. On the way, the Apostle was met by the wife and son of Fulvian, the Prince that ruled the city. They were tormented by demons and cried out with wild, threatening voices, "Who was it that sent you here with that staff to destroy us?"

The Saint rebuked the unclean spirits and expelled them, and the healed mother and son fell down before the holy Apostle and humbly began to follow him. Bishop Plato learned of Matthew's coming, and taking his clergy, went out to meet him. The Saint went to the church and planted the staff, and straightway, in the presence of all, it grew into a lofty tree which spread forth leafy branches. Upon it appeared beautiful fruit, very large and delicious, and a spring of water flowed from its roots. Everyone who beheld this was filled with wonder. The entire city came to see the miracle, to partake of the sweet fruit, and to drink the pure water. The holy Apostle Matthew, standing on a high place, preached the word of God in the language of the people, and they immediately believed in the Lord and were baptized by the Apostle in the miraculous spring. First Matthew baptized the Prince's wife and her son, who had been afflicted by evil spirits, then all the people who believed in Christ. Those who were baptized emerged from the waters comely and radiant: having put off the old man, darkened by sin, and arrayed themselves in the new man, which is in Christ, they were granted bodily cleansing and purification and adornment of their souls as well.

When the Prince learned of the healing of his wife and son, he rejoiced at first, but then, prompted by the devil, became angry with the Apostle since the entire city was following him and forsaking the pagan gods. He decided to put the Saint to death. That night, the Savior appeared to the Apostle and commanded him to take courage, promising to remain with him during the tribulations to come.

Morning found the holy Apostle with the faithful in the church chanting God's praises. The Prince sent out four warriors to seize Matthew, but when they reached the church, darkness enveloped them, and it was only with difficulty that they succeeded in returning to the Prince. When asked why they had not brought back Matthew, they replied, "We heard his voice when he spoke, but could neither see nor lay hold of him." (Source: The Great Collection of the Lives of the Saints)

(To be continued)

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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

November 15 - Holy Nativity Fast Begins

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