Nativity Fast - Holy Cross Orthodox Church

The Nativity Fast

During the Nativity Fast, the Church calls us to deepen our spiritual lives, preparing our souls and bodies for the great Feast of Christ's Nativity. This preparation involves fasting, prayer, almsgiving, confession, and a renewed focus on "preparing for His coming"—ensuring we create a worthy dwelling place for Him in our hearts and daily lives.

Bishop THOMAS offers this guidance for the Fast:

"Increase your prayer life, read more Scripture and spiritual books, especially the lives of the saints. A little less television, no anger, no gossiping, no laziness, and let's try to avoid the Christmas parties. If we prepare in this way, God will bless us, and we will find the Feast of the Nativity of our Lord to be far more spiritually rewarding than ever before. May God help us to struggle courageously."

The Purpose of Fasting

Fasting directs our attention upward, toward the Kingdom of God. It is a practical way to cultivate virtue in the present moment, freeing us from reliance on earthly things. We fast faithfully and discreetly, without judging others or boasting of our efforts.

Fasting does not earn God's favor, punish sins, or serve as atonement through suffering—Christ has already accomplished our redemption on the Cross. Salvation is God's free gift, not purchased by hunger or thirst.

Instead, we fast to break free from carnal passions, allowing God's gift of Salvation to flourish within us. We turn our gaze to God in His Holy Church. Fasting and prayer are inseparable companions.

Fasting remains relevant, vital, and personal—not obsolete or for others alone. It is God's provision for us, here and now.

Above all, avoid "devouring" one another through harsh words or actions. We pray: “Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips” (Psalm 141:3).

Fasting Periods

The Nativity Fast is one of the four major fasting seasons in the Church year. As a joyous fast anticipating Christ's birth, it is less stringent than others. It divides into two phases:

• November 15 through December 19: Observe the traditional discipline (no meat, dairy, fish, wine, or oil). Dispensations allow wine and oil on Tuesdays and Thursdays; fish, wine, and oil on Saturdays and Sundays.
• December 20 through 24: Observe the traditional discipline (no meat, dairy, fish, wine, or oil). Dispensations allow wine and oil only on Saturday and Sunday.

Fasting Guidelines Table

Food/Drink	November 15–December 19	December 20–24
Meat	Abstain	Abstain
Dairy	Abstain	Abstain
Fish	Permitted Sat & Sun	Abstain
Wine	Permitted Tue, Thu, Sat & Sun	Permitted Sat & Sun
Oil	Permitted Tue, Thu, Sat & Sun	Permitted Sat & Sun

Abstinence extends to smoking. For the Eucharistic Fast, refrain from food and drink from at least midnight before receiving Communion at a morning Liturgy.

This outlines the tradition's "letter," but allowances may apply when love or necessity demands—not as excuses for laxity. Consult your priest when uncertain.

With Archdiocesan encouragement, we also observe Thanksgiving Day—the one American holiday still centered on God—by suspending the fast's severity.

When Not to Fast

Refrain from fasting:

• Between December 25 and January 5 (even on Wednesdays and Fridays);
• If pregnant or nursing a newborn;
• During serious illness;
• Without accompanying prayer;
• Without almsgiving;
• According to personal judgment, without your spiritual father's guidance.