Nativity Fast begins

Nativity Fast begins

This is a 40 day season of spiritual preparation for the Great Feast of Christmas. As usual for all such Orthodox Christian seasons of spiritual discipline, we fast from all meat and fowl, as well as dairy products, wine, and (olive) oil. Of course, this season of preparation is very much in contrast to the gluttonous consumerism of the worldly preparation for Christmas, and this is challenging for us. Ah, the temptations of the romanticized "Victorian" Christmas! We are tempted to be spineless and cave in to the pressure of culture, or seat in the judgment seat of the proud Pharisee! And, in America, of course we add Thanksgiving in to boot (we encourage people to enjoy this wonderful holiday, and then return to the Fast promptly. Please see a fasting calendar for details about when to abstain from wine and (olive) oil, as such are permitted on many days during this Fast. May Christ be formed in us as the result of our spiritual labors! Love, Father David