Fasting is a period of attention to one's inner world through prayer, a period of purification, repentance. Self-restraint in food and fun are secondary factors that help you achieve your primary goals.
In the Orthodox Church, there are four long-term fasts, which, as a rule, precede a certain church holiday. One of these fasts is Christmas (lasts 40 days), which, as the name implies, precedes Christmas.
The rules of the Nativity Fast are as strict as in any other fast: on the first, third and fifth days fish are prohibited, rast. oil and wine, while you can only dine in the evening. However, there are also indulgences in the Christmas fast, for example, vegetable oil can be added to dishes on the second, fourth, sixth and seventh day of the week. In addition, there are days when a glass of wine drunk will not break the fast, such days include all Saturdays and Sundays, as well as church holidays.
As for fish dishes, they are allowed on many days of fasting - all Saturdays and Sundays (except for those that fall on January 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6), December 4. On the days of remembrance of the saints, fish is not prohibited, if only they fall on the second or fourth day of the week, otherwise only dishes with the addition of vegetable oil (salads, fried dishes) are allowed to be eaten, and you can also pamper yourself and drink some wine.
What you can eat in the Christmas fast 2017-2018 by day
The main rules of fasting are that you cannot eat meat (sausages, sausages), dairy products, eggs, from January 2 to 6 are the most strict days in nutrition, all of the above, as well as oil and fish, are excluded from the menu. The basis of the menu is vegetables, cereals, fruits. From December 28 to December 19, food restrictions are not so strict, since fish is allowed four days a week, from December 20 to January 1, the fast is a little stricter - fish only on weekends, hot food with butter - only on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
If this is your first time deciding to fast, remember that it is not as easy as it seems at first glance. And to make it as easy as possible on this path, invite your relatives who live with you to fast together. The absence of forbidden delicacies in the house will save you from the temptation to eat a piece of forbidden food.
