Advent in 2018 begins very soon: basic rules and prohibitions
'26.11.2018'
Source: RBC-Ukraine
Nativity Fast 2018 for Orthodox Christians lasts for forty days from November until Christmas Eve itself. What date does the Christmas post-2018 begin and how to eat properly during the fasting period - in the material RBC.
Date of Advent 2018-2019
The last fast of the year is a preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Christ, therefore its start date is constant - November 28 - 40 days before Christmas Eve.
During the Christmas season (from November 28 to January 6), Orthodox Christians observe strict food restrictions, and entertainment bans also apply.
In the days of early Christianity, believers fasted 7 days before Christmas, and from the 12th century, the fasting period increased to forty days.
It has long been a post before Christmas called Korochun or Filippov post, because On the last day before its beginning (November 27), the church recalls the holy Apostle Philip.
How to eat: the rules of Advent
Despite the long duration of the Advent, the restrictions on food are not as strict as in Great and Assumption posts.
Meat and dairy products, as well as eggs are excluded from the diet. However, on certain days and on holidays fish and wine are allowed.
Christmas fast is divided into two periods:
- November 28 - December 19. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays - dry food; on Tuesdays and Thursdays - hot dishes with vegetable oil; fish and wine are allowed on weekends.
- December 20 - January 5. The pre-Christmas period, when the fast is increasing. Fish and wine are prohibited.
Particularly strict dietary restrictions are observed on January 6 - they do not eat until the first star rises. After the evening service, hot food with butter and the traditional sweet porridge - sochivo - are allowed.
Relaxation on the menu during Christmastime is valid on major holidays and on the days of honoring the great saints: Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos (December 4), Andrew the First-Called (December 13), St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (December 19) to the Temple.
