A Forty-Day Journey of Penitence and Preparation for Christmas

According to the forty-day tradition, the Phillip’s Fast in preparation for Christmas began this past Friday. During this fast it was the custom to observe a strict abstinence on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and a lesser abstinence (mitigation for wine and oil) on Tuesday and Thursday. The fast is observed more strictly from December 10 or from December 20, with daily strict abstinence, and a mitigated abstinence (wine and oil) on Saturday and Sunday (cf. The Great Fast and the Dormition Fast). The Ruthenian Metropolia has identified this period as a penitential season (Canon 880, § 2). Save required Friday penance, this fast may be observed voluntarily, partially, or in its entirety.

NC: My Journey Through the Nativity Fast:NC - Google Docs