Orthodox Christmas awaits us only in January, but for true believers, the approach to it is special. They begin to prepare for the holiday in advance and limit themselves in entertainment and food for more than a month. All this is to spiritually cleanse themselves and meet the Epiphany in full harmony of spirit with matter.
Observing the fast is, of course, optional, especially if you have contraindications, but if you are firmly determined to observe the Christmas Fast in 2025, we will tell you about its history and restrictions.
What is the Christmas Fast
The Christmas Fast is considered one of the oldest. The first mentions of it can be found in the writings of Saint Ambrose of Milan, who passed away in 397 AD. By the way, at that time, the Christmas Fast lasted only 7 days.
Only after the Constantinople Council of 1166 did the church establish uniformity for all Christians, and the Christmas Fast became a forty-day period — in memory of the fact that Christ fasted in the desert for forty days.
The duration of the Christmas Fast remains unchanged, as does the time of its observance, since it is tied to a specific event with a concrete date — Christmas, which is traditionally celebrated on January 7. Accordingly, the Christmas Fast in 2025 began today, November 28, and will last until January 6, 2026.
Why is the fast called Fish Fast?
The Christmas Fast is often referred to as the Fish Fast. This is because during this time, fish is often allowed to be eaten.
It can be conditionally divided into three stages:
November 28 — December 19: fish can be eaten, except on Wednesdays and Fridays, and on Mondays, it is advisable to refrain from vegetable oil. The only exception is the Feast of the Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple, celebrated on December 4. Fish is permitted on this day.
December 20–31: the consumption of fish decreases during this time. Now it can only be eaten on weekends. But there are exceptions here as well. For example, December 24 is the Sunday of the Holy Forefathers, December 26 is the Day of the Martyrs Eustratius, Auxentius, Eugene, Mardarius, and Orestes, and December 31 is the Sunday of the Holy Fathers. Fish is allowed on these days.
January 1–6: fish is not eaten on these days; dry eating (foods that have not undergone thermal processing) is recommended. On weekends, hot food with vegetable oil can be consumed.
On Sundays, one can allow oneself a little wine — no more than one glass.
To remember what to eat on which days during the Christmas Fast, we have created a convenient calendar.
It is important to remember that dietary restrictions are not the main focus of the Christmas Fast. The main thing is the purity of thoughts and soul. Orthodoxy does not demand the impossible from a person, and doctors do not advise keeping oneself within strict limits if you have certain restrictions or contraindications.
Moreover, besides diet, there are other restrictions during the Christmas Fast.
What is prohibited during the Christmas Fast
Fasting and going to church are not the only things to do during the fast. First and foremost, it is necessary to refrain from the main sinful inclinations:
laziness;
gluttony;
despair;
cunning;
anger.
It is also better to give up harmful habits.
It is believed that if one gives alms during the Christmas Fast, then money will never run out in the wallet.
