On November 28, the Orthodox Christians who follow the Julian calendar enter the Nativity Fast that is also known as the Christmas Fast. It lasts by January 6 inclusive.
Priest Andrei Pârgaru, of the Saint Great Martyr Dumitru Church of Chetrosu village of Anenii Noi district, has told IPN that the Nativity Fast is an easy fasting period, except for the last two weeks, when fasting is stricter. It is a period of joyful fasting as it precedes the winter holidays when families reunite.
Given the pandemic, the priest said all the protection measures are taken. The parishioners wear masks, maintain physical distancing and not more than 50 persons are allowed inside the church. The surfaces are disinfected and the rooms are ventilated regularly. “Health is the most expensive gift from God and we should protect it and take care of it,” stated Andrei Pârgaru.
From the very first week of the fast, the Christians who want can take communion. The fast traditionally entails fasting from products of animal origin, fish, oil, and wine. Fish is allowed on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the fasting period and on the feasts of Saint Andrew and Saint Nicholas.
There are four main periods of extended fasting during the year – the Great Lent, the Nativity Fast, the Fast of Apostles Peter and Paul and the Dormition Fast.
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