Nativity Fast begins (old date)

Nativity Fast begins (old 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.Although mandatory fasting for the Nativity lasts from December 15-24, during these first 2 weeks consider making positive spiritual changes, increasing frequency of prayer, reading scripture and meditating on the importance of the season of Annunciation in the economy of our salvation.The Christmas fast used to last for 40 days as recorded in the Hudaya Canon of Mor Gregorios Yuhannon bar'Ebroyo (some ascetics still continue this practice). However, the Church later shortened the period to 25 days. Finally, in 1946 & pursuant to a decision taken by the Council held in Homs; on December 7th 1946 the thrice blessed late Patriarch HH Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem I Barsoum of blessed memory limited the Nativity Fast to 10 days starting on December 15th & ending on Christmas Day (Hido d'yaldo d'Moran), December 25th. Out of piety, it is common for the faithful of Malankara to begin their fast on December 1st even to this day.During this fast, the Takrit/Eastern rite (ie the traditions of the Syriac Orthodox Church in Iraq and other parts of the erstwhile Maphrianate) has a special set of prayers. The thrice blessed late Patriarch Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem I Barsoum writes in his book 'Scattered Pearls', "This rite also includes a medium-sized book containing eight services of the Christmas fasting, known to Easterners as the subbara, i.e., the Annunciation of the Nativity of the Lord Christ. These services are usually repeated three times." These prayers were recited during the weekdays of the Nativity fast, in lieu of the Sh'himo. Although developed in Iraq, the late Patriarch found copies in Mardin, Tur Abdin, and Jerusalem. Copies of this service also made its way to India, and was published as part of the Pampakuda Phanqitho.May our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ abundantly bless all the faithful who wholeheartedly keep the fast. As we look forward to the commemoration of Christ's Nativity on Christmas Day, let's not forget to keep 'Christ' in Christmas; not by simply uttering the phrase but by following what Christ would want us to do.Malankara World Special Supplement for the Nativity Fast: https://goo.gl/f7bsJW