The Nativity Fast

Today begins a period of preparation in our Church for the great feast of the Nativity of Christ. During this period the Church invites every human being freely and simply, saying: "We are now fasting, if you want you can come along too".
This invitation is made with love and in a mood for struggle, setting forth Christ as the "prize". In order to share in Christ, let us offer Him our own struggle and effort, showing that we want Him as our Saviour and Redeemer.
~  From Abbot Bartholomew of Mt Athos ~ 

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THE CHRISTMAS/NATIVITY FAST (ADVENT) IS FROM NOVEMBER 15th THROUGH DECEMBER 24th!
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The Christmas/Nativity fast prescribed by the Greek Archdiocese of America for the Advent period of November 15 through and including November 24 is as follows:  on Wednesdays and on Fridays no meat, poultry, dairy products, eggs, fish, wine or oil are eaten as is usual during most of the year.  

On the other days of the week from November 15 through and including December 12, we abstain from meat, poultry and dairy products/eggs; but fish, wine and oil are permitted.  On the Feast of the Presentation of the Theotokos on November 21st, we eat fish, wine and oil no matter what day of the week it falls on but no meat/poultry or dairy eggs.  

From December 13 through December 24, the fast becomes stricter with no consumption of meat, poultry, dairy products, eggs, fish, wine or oil except on Saturdays and Sundays and certain saints' feast days when wine and oil are permitted.  

Some Orthodox jurisdictions follow the stricter monastic fast in which fish, wine and oil are permitted only on Saturdays and Sundays; only wine and oil are permitted on Tuesdays and Thursdays; and a strict fast of no wine or oil is held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.  

Please set up a time to participate in the Sacrament of Holy Confession which is essential for our salvation.  Thus, through fasting, prayer, acts of charity, and the Sacrament of Holy Confession may we prepare ourselves for the birth of Christ not only in Bethlehem but also His rebirth in our hearts!    ~ Father Jerry