Each year, from November 15 through December 24, Orthodox Christians observe the Nativity Fast, a forty-day period of spiritual preparation for the Feast of the Lord’s Nativity in the Flesh. Just as Great Lent prepares us for Pascha, the Nativity Fast helps us prepare our hearts to receive Christ, not in a manger, but in our lives.
The Purpose of the Fast
The Church invites us to use these forty days to repent, pray, and give alms. By abstaining from rich foods and excess, we learn to hunger for God. Fasting is not simply a change in diet, but a transformation of heart. As we deny ourselves, we open space within to welcome the humble Christ.
The Fasting Rule
Traditionally, the Nativity Fast is a moderate fast, lighter than Great Lent but still intentional. We abstain from meat and dairy products, and, on some days, from wine and oil. Fish, wine, and oil are permitted on weekends until St. Spyridon Day (December 12). The final days (December 13-24) are more strict, emphasizing sobriety and watchfulness.
(Always follow the blessing and direction of your spiritual father or parish priest.)
The Spiritual Emphasis
During this season, we are called to:
- Pray more deeply—both at home and in the services of the Church.
- Give generously—to the poor, the lonely, and those in need.
- Confess and commune—cleansing our souls to receive Christ worthily at His Nativity.
A Time of Hope and Joy
The Nativity Fast is not a season of gloom, but of quiet joy. We look forward to the coming of the Savior, who “became man so that man might become god” (St. Athanasius). By fasting, we learn to expect not the comforts of this world, but the true comfort that comes from God made flesh.
American Thanksgiving
American Thanksgiving always falls in the Navity Fast. There is a general dispensation given to Orthodox Christians living in the United States to break the fast and celebrate this feast of Thanksgiving. Let us remember the word Eucharist, the center of the Christian life, means exactly this Thanksgiving.
