This Fast is divided into two periods: The first is November 15th through December 19th when the traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine, and olive oil) is observed on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with a blessing for wine and olive oil (some also permit fish) on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and for fish, wine, and olive oil on Saturdays and Sundays. The second is the period of the Forefeast, December 20th through 24th, when the traditional fasting discipline is observed Monday through Friday, with a blessing for wine and olive oil on Saturday and Sunday. Many American Orthodox Christians also take a break from the fast on Thanksgiving Day (the emphasis there being on the word ‘day’), but if you need to modify the fast in any way, please speak to your spiritual father as soon as possible.
We will be serving the Nativity Paraclesis on most Wednesday evenings during the Fast. There will be four opportunities to participate in this lovely service, so we should all be able to make at least one of those. We will offer the service on November 27 (which will be Thanksgiving Eve and a wonderful way to start that holiday) and on December 4, 11, and 18.
As you begin your holiday shopping, don’t forget about Christ The Lightgiver Bookstore. The bookstore has lots of great gift items in addition to a wide selection of books and icons. The store is open every Sunday during Fellowship Hour, but you can always get in touch with our hard-working manager, Stephanie Crown, and ask a question or place an order during the week.
The archdiocese expects each of us to make our confession during the Nativity Fast. In our parish, that holy mystery is available every Saturday night after Great Vespers or just about any other time by a specific appointment. We do not offer on-the-spot confessions, so this is something for which you will need to plan ahead. Also, while you are doing that planning, please be aware that the holy mystery will not be available after Sunday, December 22. So you will need to make your confession on or before that date. The deadline is so that we can prepare for the Feast of Nativity with a minimum of last minute activities.