Nativity Fast begins (ancient date)

Nativity Fast begins (ancient date)

Note: The inclusion of this event in the online calendar is for educational purposes, and solely to remind the faithful of the mercy of our Lord as shown through the Holy Synod in granting us a shortened fasting period. Please follow the fasting period as per Patriarchal Encyclicals and guidance from one's spiritual father. The historical development of the Christmas fast in the Syriac Orthodox liturgical tradition (as with the other Orthodox rites) is obscure.At some point it used to last for 40 days. The canons of Mor John of Mardin (12th century) speaks about the three dominical fasts in honour of the Holy Trinity. According to him, the forty day fast of the birth of Christ is kept in honour of the Father. However, in the Kthobo d-hudoye (nomocanon) the 13th century Maphrian-Catholicos Mor Gregorios bar Ebroyo says that, in his time, - depending on the region they lived in - laypeople fasted for either 25 (Maphrianate) or 15 days (Patriarchate); but all the ascetics still fast for 40 days. During the Chenganur Synod convened by Mor Ivanios Hidaythulla in 1686, the Nativity Fast was set from December 1st to 25th in Malankara. As with all fasting periods, it is within the Apostolic authority of the Patriarch of Antioch and the Holy Synod to either lengthen or shorten the fasts. On December 7th 1946 the thrice blessed late Patriarch HH Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem I Barsoum limited the Nativity Fast to ten days starting on December 15th & ending on Christmas Day (Hido d'yaldo d'Moran), December 25th.Although fasting from today's date is not compulsory; in consultation with one's spiritual father, it may be spiritually edifying to meditate on the importance of our Lord's Nativity and centering ourselves to focus upon this season of Suboro. Some examples of what you can do for the following weeks:1. Set time aside to: - Pray and thank our Heavenly Father for the gift of His Son's incarnation - read through the text of the Nativity liturgy, these hymns and prayers are some of the most beautiful and deeply scriptural - read through the lectionary of the Nativity Liturgy; it's easy to miss out on properly hearing during the actual service, especially when scripture readings are often rushed by deacons - read patristic homilies or sermons about the Nativity and the Annunciation season- visit sister Oriental Orthodox parishes, they may have extra services and vigils during their 40 day fast this season 2. Think of ways you can help out in your parish & community such as: - consider saving a small portion of funds each day that you'd normally spend on snacks or other "guilty pleasures" and instead donate the final amount to your church and other charities on Christmas - if time permits, volunteer at your local foodbank, soup kitchen, or shelter. The Christmas season is usually one of the busiest and these organizations can certainly use all the help possible. - remember that for many, this season is not always joyous. For some people, Christmas further compounds burdenous thoughts of financial limitations, recent loss of loved ones, and other challenges which we may not always notice. Genuinely spread Christmas cheer to all you meet, the kind that is a reflection of Christ's love - if you live in a particular cold/snowy area, consider collecting any of your lightly used but unneeded winter clothes that can be donated for those in need - consider helping out the elderly in your neighbourhood with snow removal - In a world where Christmas has been commercialized, be a St. Nicholas and not merely a Santa Claus