In Orthodox Christian practice, there are pious customs for keeping holy fasts. In total there are four multi-day posts, one of which falls on the winter period of time. This post is called Christmas.
The main triumph of the Christian faith in the winter is considered to be the Nativity of the Lord Jesus Christ. This holiday is solemnly celebrated by the Holy Orthodox Church on January 7 in a new style. In order for believers to spiritually prepare for the meeting of the emerging Savior, the Church established a Christmas fast.
Christmas fasting is non-transient, that is, the time of this period of abstinence is constant. Christmas fasting always starts on November 28th in a new style. The last day of the Holy Christmas Lent is January 6th, and already on the 7th of the same month, believers chatter (eat food of animal origin).
In 2014, the beginning of the Christmas Lent falls on Friday, and the feast of the Nativity of Christ on Wednesday. Orthodox Christians need to remember that before the Christmas fast there is no solid week (that is, the time when the fast is canceled on Wednesday and Friday). Thus, on Wednesday, November 26th (new style), Orthodox Christians fast in memory of the betrayal of Christ, Thursday November 27th is the day when meat and other foods are allowed, and Friday November 28th is the first day of the multi-day winter Christmas Lent.
Christmas post is otherwise called Filippov. The fact is that on the eve of the beginning of the time of abstinence (November 27), the Orthodox Church remembers the memory of the Apostle Philip. On this day, believers start talking throughout the Christmas Lent.
