When does Christmas Lent 2024 begin and what can you eat during this time
15 November 2024 11:27
The Christmas fast is considered one of the most important events for Christians, as it marks the beginning of the preparation for the Christmas holiday. This fast is also one of the longest and includes both dietary and spiritual restrictions.
Read about the start date of the Christmas fast in 2024, restrictions and prohibitions that apply during it in the article by Komersant ukrainskyi
.
When does the Christmas fast begin according to the new calendar?
Due to the transition of the OCU and the UGCC to the New Julian calendar, the Christmas fast in 2024 will begin earlier. Thus, according to the new style, the beginning of the Christmas fast falls on November 15, and its completion will take place on Christmas Eve, that is, on December 24.
The total duration of the Christmas fast is 40 days, during which it is forbidden to eat a number of foods, and some spiritual prohibitions are imposed.
What not to eat during the Christmas fast
During the fasting period, believers are obliged to exclude animal products from their diet: meat, eggs, and dairy products. On some days, it is allowed to add fish to your diet, as well as a glass of red wine.
It is also advised to avoid junk food, such as snacks and fast food.
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What you can eat during the Christmas fast
During the Christmas fast, the basis of the daily diet should be vegetables, cereals, legumes, fruits, berries, dried fruits, nuts, and mushrooms. It is recommended to consume seasonal vegetables, such as beets, potatoes, carrots, cabbage, broccoli, and pumpkin, as well as canned foods such as sauerkraut, cucumbers, tomatoes, pickled salads, and lecho.
The period of fasting can be divided into three cycles, each of which has certain differences in the diet.
- The first cycle (November 15 – December 6) allows for a more varied diet. For example, on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, fish, oil, and a glass of wine are allowed, and on Monday, hot vegetable dishes without added oil are allowed. Instead, Wednesday and Friday are devoted to strict dry fasting, meaning that on these days it is allowed to eat only plant-based foods without any heat treatment.
- The second cycle (December 7 – December 18) involves a more restrained diet. On Mondays, plant-based foods without oil are allowed, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays, oil is allowed. Fish and wine are allowed only on these weekends, and on Wednesday and Friday, dry eating is again recommended.
- The third cycle (December 19-December 24) is the strictest, as most days require a restrained diet. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, dry fasting is allowed, while hot meals without oil are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays. On weekends, you can eat food with oil.
On the last day of the fast, Christmas Eve, it is recommended to refrain from eating until the first star appears in the sky.
Who may not observe the Christmas fast
Observance of the Christmas fast is of great spiritual importance, but in certain situations, it is allowed to be exempted from the restrictions. In particular, both civilians and military personnel in frontline areas are exempt from fasting, as the specifics of their activities require significant physical effort.
In addition, the elderly, people with chronic diseases, pregnant women and mothers who are breastfeeding are allowed to be exempt from fasting. Children under the age of 14 are also allowed to break the fast, as strict dietary restrictions can have a negative impact on their health.
What not to do during the Christmas fast
In addition to dietary restrictions, there are also a number of prohibitions during this fast designed to promote spiritual purification. In particular, during the Christmas fast it is forbidden to
- swearing, quarreling with others, and cursing;
- refuse to help others;
- organize loud parties or large-scale celebrations;
- borrow money or lend money.
Instead, during this period, it is better to pay special attention to spiritual purification, attend churches, pray and repent of your sins.
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Author: Olya Yushko
