For Orthodox believers, the six-week Christmas fast began on November 28, which precedes the happiest Christian holiday, the Nativity of Christ – Christmas.
Preparation for Christmas, which is celebrated on January 7, is complete if the believer approaches the sacred mysteries of confession, repentance and communion at the end of the six-week fast.
Fasting is the foundation of the Christian path and the first necessity on the path of salvation, so the Church considers fasting important for the spiritual life of its believers, but also a very powerful means for achieving full salvation.
According to the teachings of the Holy Bishop Nikolaj Velimirovich, fasting consists in abstaining from greasy food, evil thoughts, lustful desires and evil deeds, as well as in multiplying prayers, charities and zealous practice of Christian virtues, because the feat of fasting is both physical and spiritual.
The goals, Bishop Nikolaj teaches, are “cleansing the body, strengthening the will, elevating the soul above the body, all for the purpose of glorifying God and respecting his saints.”
Fasting is based on the example of Jesus Christ himself, who fasted on bread and water for 40 days before facing Satan.
During this fast, the use of oil is allowed on all days, except Wednesday and Friday, when food prepared on water is eaten.
Fish and wine can be used every Saturday and Sunday, as well as on the feast of the Presentation of the Most Holy Mother of God / 4. December /, Saint Nicholas / 19. December / and Saint Ignatius the Godbearer / 2. January /, even if the holiday falls on a Wednesday or Friday.
The last week before Christmas is fasted more strictly, without the use of fish and oil, and with food prepared only on water.
The church has determined several fast fasts four times a year – Christmas, Easter or Holy Lent on the eve of the Resurrection of Christ, Apostles fast before the holiday dedicated to the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul / 12. July / and Fast of Our Most Holy Theotokos on the eve of the Assumption of the Most Holy Mother of God / 28. August.
One-day fasts are on the Beheading of St. John the Baptist / 11. September /, Exaltation of the Holy Cross – Day of the Cross / 27. September /, Day of the Cross / 18. January / on the eve of the Epiphany, as well as every Wednesday and Friday.