Fr. Daniel Nashed Fr. Daniel Nashed

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Nativity Fasting


St. Cyril of Alexandria says “The Only-Begotten became like us so that we might learn to become like Him. In His Nativity, heaven and earth are united.”

As we enter the Nativity Fast, the Church invites us into a season of preparation. We prepare our hearts to welcome the birth of our Savior. Through fasting we learn to quiet the noise, discipline our desires, and make room for Christ to be "born" within us.

The Nativity Fast is a fast of joy, patterned after the 40 days that Moses fasted before receiving the Word of God. In this season we also prepare to receive the Word made flesh.

Fasting helps us refocus, shifting our attention from food and indulgence to prayer, scripture, repentance, and acts of mercy.

We strive to fast not only with our stomachs, but with our hearts—letting go of anger, negativity, distractions, and anything that hinders God’s presence within us.

St. Basil the Great reminds us...“True fasting is not merely abstaining from food, but from sin. Let the mouth fast from foul words; let the eyes fast from evil sights; let the hands fast from unjust deeds.”

What’s Allowed During the Nativity Fast?

• It is a vegan fast: no meat, poultry, dairy, or eggs.
• Seafood is traditionally permitted except on Wednesdays and Fridays.

May this blessed fast be a time of renewal, peace, and joyful expectation as we await the coming of our Lord.

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