St. John Chrysostom

11/13/2022
Dear Parish Family,

According to the forty-day tradition, the Christmas Fast begins tomorrow evening (11/14). The fast is sometimes referred to as Philip’s Fast because it begins immediately after the Feast of the Apostle Philip. It is the custom to observe a strict abstinence on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and a lesser abstinence (mitigation for wine and oil) on Tuesday and Thursday. The fast is observed more strictly from December 10 (in some traditions) or from December 20 (in other traditions), with daily strict abstinence, and a mitigated abstinence (wine and oil) on Saturday and Sunday (cf. The Great Fast and the Dormition Fast).

The Ruthenian Metropolia has identified this period as a penitential season (Canon 880§2). This fast may be observed voluntarily, partially or in its entirety.

Glory to Jesus Christ!

Fr. Tom