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The Christmas fast according to the new church calendar of the OCU begins on November 15. It will last until December 25.
This is a special period of spiritual preparation for the celebration Christmas.
Fasting helps to purify both spiritually and physically. Believers try to devote more time to prayer, repentance and good deeds. This is the time when believers strive for inner harmony and prepare to meet the birth of the Savior with a pure heart.
The Christmas fast is one of the longest in the year. For 40 days, there are bans that you should remember. Gazeta.ua will tell about them.
What foods should be avoided
It is completely forbidden to eat any meat and meat products.
It is also not allowed to consume dairy products, eggs and dishes containing them.
Alcohol consumption is greatly restricted, although red wine is allowed in small quantities on certain days.
Fish is allowed only on Saturdays, Sundays and major church holidays.
What behavior should be followed during the Christmas fast
During fasting, negative emotions, conflicts, anger and gossip should be avoided.
You should refrain from loud celebrations, dances, parties and other entertainment.
During the days of strict fasting, especially on the eve of holidays, it is recommended to refrain from intimate relationships.
It is forbidden to neglect prayers, visiting the temple, as well as good deeds and repentance.
These prohibitions are aimed at ensuring that believers can prepare for Christmas with pure thoughts and hearts.
Who can not fast
The Christmas fast may not be observed by people who are in the frontline areas, in particular, military and civilians. They are engaged in important work, so they do not have the opportunity to eat well.
Christians with serious chronic diseases, which can be seriously harmed by food restriction, are exempted from fasting.
Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children under 14 should not fast.
