Dr Kelly Fleming

During the Nativity Fast, the Church encourages believers to deepen their spiritual practices to prepare both body and soul for the Feast of Christ’s birth. This preparation includes fasting, prayer, almsgiving, confession, and a focus on making one’s heart a worthy dwelling place for Christ.

The Purpose of Fasting

Fasting is a spiritual discipline aimed at focusing on the Kingdom of God and cultivating virtue. It frees us from reliance on worldly things and helps us grow in holiness. Fasting is not a punishment, nor a way to earn God’s favor, as salvation is already a gift through Christ’s sacrifice. Instead, fasting helps deliver us from carnal desires so that God’s grace can bear fruit in our lives. It is an essential practice that should be paired with prayer, never done for show or to judge others. Fasting is relevant today, and through it, we strive to guard our words and actions, fostering unity rather than division.

Fasting Periods

The Nativity Fast is one of the four main fasting seasons in the Church year, marked by joy as believers prepare for the birth of Christ. It is less strict than other fasting periods and is divided into two phases:

1. **November 15th to December 19th**: The traditional fast is observed, which includes no meat, dairy, fish, wine, or oil. However, wine and oil are allowed on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and fish, wine, and oil are permitted on Saturdays and Sundays.

2. **December 20th to 24th**: The same fasting discipline applies (no meat, dairy, fish, wine, and oil), but dispensation is granted for wine and oil only on Saturdays and Sundays during this period.

When Not to Fast

Fasting should be avoided in the following circumstances:

1. **Between December 25 and January 5** (even on Wednesdays and Fridays), as it is a time of celebration for Christ’s Nativity.
2. **If you are pregnant or nursing a newborn**, as fasting could be detrimental to your health or the health of your child.
3. **During serious illness**, when fasting might hinder recovery or well-being.
4. **Without prayer**, as fasting should be coupled with spiritual discipline.
5. **Without almsgiving**, since fasting is meant to be part of a broader practice of charity.
6. **According to your own will**, without guidance from your spiritual father, to ensure fasting is done properly and with spiritual wisdom.

Wishing all my Orthodox brothers and sisters a safe and prayerful fast.

🙏❤️☦️🤟🏼