The great and strict fast that we perform before Easter is very useful in all respects. Now we will analyze the benefits of fasting for a believer, what can and cannot be done during Lent.

And why does he even need this notorious post, without which life is already “normal”?

Let's remember the saint Apostle Paul, who writes “Abstinence in everything is beneficial.” That is, refraining from satiety is beneficial for a person in all respects. This is confirmed, for example, by medicine and common sense.

Nowadays the market is crowded. Everything is available - food, household items and information. Modern man lives in complete prosperity and believes that this is normal. But in reality it is harmful. Let's think a little about this topic!

The normal state of a person is when he unconditionally fulfills his earthly mission, entrusted to him by the Lord God from birth, takes his place in life, works “by the sweat of his brow” as stated in Old Testament, systematically and intelligently loads himself in such a way as to be as productive as possible and at the same time satisfied with life.

In case of loss of ability to work due to excessive weakening, apathy and despondency occur. And this is already a sin. And the ability to work itself must be supported - with food, sleep, reasonable rest, cleanliness and warmth.

Nobody says that you need to limit yourself indefinitely during fasting. A person must be healthy and efficient. Therefore, caring for the body, as the carrier of the human soul, will never cease to be relevant. But caring for the body during fasting also means caring for its (the body’s) cleansing and a kind of rebuilding of the body into a normal way of life.

Food during Lent

Anyone who does not deny himself anything will definitely become lazy. The motto - take everything from life while you can - is obviously doomed to fiasco. Eating too much food, for example, leads to obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Excessive drinking leads to degradation of the entire body, to cirrhosis and ultimately to death.

But first of all, the soul dies when it does not receive its own spiritual nourishment. The soul also needs to be fed. If we do not forget to feed the body three times a day, then the soul also wants its food - prayer.

We are praying for you!

Those who treat themselves and are accustomed to eating whatever they want, as a rule, forget about prayer. A body filled with food requires additional sleep. And the desire to take care of the soul will no longer come to mind.

On the contrary, if you weaken your body a little by fasting from food, your mind will be easier to think about, you will have a desire to more actively think through your position in life, review your projects again, calculate the steps to achieve your goals, ask for help from Above and thank God.

Anyone who has already learned to pray at least a little knows what a state of grace occurs in the soul if you read prayers well and tenderly, tune in carefully in church, read the Holy Scriptures and reflect on what you read!

This is the same peace in the soul that is achieved through prayer and fasting. And this world is the most important thing for a person. It creates the desired and so difficult to achieve human happiness. This grace-filled and tender state of soul, when it comes, must be preserved for as long as possible. Do not defile yourself with idle talk, condemnation, satiety with food and information.

So we come to the topic of spiritual fasting, which is higher than physical fasting. In fact, bodily fasting given to us by God Himself in support of spiritual fasting. And myself spiritual fasting expressed in abstinence of feelings:

- eyes, vision - do not look at sin, do not read sinful books, exclude the zombie box - TV;

- ears, hearing - do not listen to sinful speeches, gossip, stories, condemnation, rumors;

- taste and smell - do not strive for delicacies, be content with supporting the body with simple food;

- hands - do not commit a sin;

- legs, so that they do not lead to sin. Also sexual abstinence. And so on.

Many would object, but how to live then? What then can you do in Lent?

It's very simple.

You, man, need to realize that you have fallen so much that you cannot get out of the pit of passions on your own. You are fed up with all the temptations of the world, you do not live your own life, watching TV shows and series, you cannot even imagine what Christian purity and freedom from sin are! So the exercise of fasting gives you the opportunity to return to God, cleanse your soul and body and become accustomed to prayer.

Instead of dirty TV information, for example about politics, bloodiness and depravity, watch the SOYUZ channel, become imbued with spirituality, MAKE AN EFFORT! The Lord judges by intention. And gives strength to anyone who tries. Remember that the Kingdom of God is taken by force, as the Lord teaches. The emptiness and melancholy that can arise from the loss of a familiar way of life can be filled with virtue and useful communication, as well as reading soul-saving literature.

Your prayer may be weak and insufficient. Conciliar prayer has greater power. Spiritual communication with like-minded people and more spiritually experienced people will help you along this path with their support. True, nowadays he wants to be better. But it is up to YOU ​​and only you to choose your path and answer to the Lord in due time.

Instead of fast meat and greasy usual food, learn to eat plant foods - vegetables, fruits, cereals and their derivatives. In fact, meatless dishes are even better and tastier than meat dishes. It should be remembered that with meat we absorb corpse poison. And one more thing. The elephant is so big and strong, and eats grass!

Violation of fasting is not punishable by the Church. Probably only God looks at us as foolish children. A person punishes himself when he refuses to fast.

The first commandment in paradise was - do not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. And because man violated the will of God, he fell. We all experience the consequences of the Fall through centuries and millennia. And, instead of destroying sin, for some reason we only increase it. Therefore, it should not be surprising that life becomes more and more difficult over the years.

And so that this does not happen, get used to fasting and prayer! Anyone can do this post. But the fast itself should be feasible. A child fasts in a different way, a full-fledged adult fasts in a different way, and the sick, infirm and elderly fast in a different way. You need to approach fasting wisely.

We are not monsters. They shouldn't mock themselves. Excessive strength is no longer fasting. And in general, fasting for the sake of fasting is not saving. Fasting is necessary for Christian perfection and the salvation of the soul.

FASTING IS A SPIRITUAL EXERCISE.

Post, be sure to post! Your soul will be reborn and improved.

And you will live longer in health than you thought.

Most people either stop fasting halfway or misinterpret its meaning. All this forces those who want to fast to find as much information as possible about it. The purpose of religious fasting is spiritual purification and abstinence from worldly pleasures. For 40 days, a person disciplines his mind and body in order to grow spiritually and free himself from earthly habits. Nutrition during fasting is the first necessity. It may seem quite strict, especially for beginners. If you do not understand how to observe Lent, this material will tell you how to observe it correctly.

Starvation and physical exhaustion are not the purpose of fasting. If you correctly plan your nutrition schedule by day and week, you will be very surprised how varied and healthy lean foods can be.

List of permitted products

Fruits:


Grape


Pomegranate


Apples


Cranberry


Citrus fruits (lemons, oranges, tangerines, grapefruits)

All these fruits are eaten raw during Lent, and desserts and various snacks are also prepared with them. fresh salads and other dishes.

• Dried fruits:
• Pineapples
• Bananas
• Cherry
• Pears
• Dried apricots
• Dates
• Prunes
• Apples

Dried fruits can not only be eaten during Lent, but they are necessary. During a limited diet, they will enrich the diet with valuable vitamins and strengthen the immune system. They can be combined with other Lenten dishes, and can be used to make compotes and jelly.

Vegetables:


Carrot


Potato


Beet


Celery


Sweet pepper


Cabbage (white cabbage, cauliflower, Chinese cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts)


• Sauerkraut and pickled cucumbers are also welcome on the Lenten table.
  

  Green
  

  Parsley
  

  Basil
  

• Lettuce
  

  Spinach
  

• Sorrel
  

Champignons, oyster mushrooms and other types of mushrooms are rich in protein, which is sorely lacking during the fasting period. Mushrooms will be an excellent alternative to meat. You can use them to make delicious and healthy casseroles with vegetables, soups, pies, roasts and snacks. They are also convenient to combine with cereals and pancakes. Don't neglect mushrooms in your diet.

• Legumes

Popular legumes: beans and peas will also become irreplaceable sources of protein during Lent. They are ideal for those losing weight, athletes and anyone involved in heavy physical labor. Legumes are used to make excellent purees and dishes with vegetables. The menu of these products will be satisfying, healthy and at the same time simple. Sports nutrition During fasting, it must be accompanied by vegetable protein.

• Cereals

Porridges such as rice, buckwheat, oatmeal and other cereals should become the basis of a lean diet. With the exception of days where complete abstinence from food is recommended, porridge can be eaten every day during Lent. They should be cooked only in water, without oil. Upon request, various types cereals can be combined with each other and added vegetables, mushrooms, nuts and dried fruits. This diversifies the dietary menu.

• Fish

You can eat fish only according to strict rules. During religious fasting, it is consumed on the day of the Annunciation and Palm Sunday.

Drinks:


Compote


• Kissel
  

Animal milk is prohibited during fasting. However, almond milk, coconut milk, and soy milk are excellent substitutes.

The spring season is not rich in fresh vegetables, fruits and berries. You have to buy them in stores, or stock up on them in advance for fasting. Some preparations will be an excellent addition to the main menu:

Beans (can be in tomato)


Green peas


Corn


Lentils

Frozen vegetables, but especially berries and fruits, will come in handy in fast days. You can make wonderful tea treats from them.

Sweets:


Marmalade


Lenten marshmallows


Oatmeal Cookies


• Kazinaki
  

  Dark chocolate (bitter only)
  

• Lollipops
  

  Turkish delight

In addition to these products, you can include the following in your post:

Nuts and seeds;


Pasta (without eggs);


Lenten sauces and dressings (soy, mustard, ketchup, mayonnaise, etc.);


Lenten bread (Borodinsky, grain, capital);


Unleavened bread and pita bread;


Flour (rice, corn, oatmeal, buckwheat and coarse wheat);


Seaweed.

During Lent, seafood (squid, shrimp) remains controversial. Some people believe that you should not eat such food during Lent. However, less conservative followers of fasting do not agree with this opinion and believe that seafood is acceptable on non-strict days.

What not to eat during Lent

Meat (sausages, frankfurters, balyki, lard, etc.);


Fish (except on non-strict days);


Milk, cheese and any dairy products;


• Alcohol (except on non-strict days);
  

  Sweets and baked goods containing butter, eggs and milk;
  

  Pork fat and meat broths;
  

  Fast food.

In addition, it is necessary to exclude spices, too spicy, salty, sour and heavy foods that stimulate an unhealthy appetite. These are all the things you can’t eat during Lent.

Lent is considered the longest and most demanding season of the year. The first and last weeks before Easter are considered the toughest. Some lay people follow strict rules for eating.

It is advisable to spend Clean Monday (the first day of fasting) and Great Friday (the penultimate day) without food.

On other days, the consumption of permitted products follows the schedule:

Contraindications to fasting

The Orthodox Church does not force all Christians to observe strict fasting. It is important to consult your doctor before following a diet plan. Pregnant and breastfeeding women can eat some prohibited foods during fasting.

The main contraindications to fasting are:

Small and sick children;


Elderly people burdened with physical ailments;


People who have undergone surgery;


People suffering from serious illnesses.

fast ,

Lent is one of the main fasts of Christianity. It is intended to prepare believers for big holiday Easter. During this period, people indulge in physical and spiritual asceticism. IN modern world Many people observe fasting only formally, excluding animal products from their diet. A full-fledged fast implies restrictions not only in food, but also in habits and lifestyle. What can and cannot be done during Lent?

Contents of the article: 1. 2. 3. 4.

What should you not do during Lent?

Lent is the longest and is a strict fast. During this period, prohibitions apply to all areas of human life. Pregnant women, the sick, children under 7 years of age, and the elderly are not required to adhere to these restrictions through the blessing of the priest.

An ascetic lifestyle accompanied by fasting is the most acceptable model of behavior for believers. During this period, it is supplemented by repentance and strict observance of the commandments.

During the 40 days of Lent it is strictly prohibited:

• Live in idleness;

• Attend entertainment events;

• Eat meat, dairy products and eggs;

• Gluttony and overeating;

• Drink alcohol narcotic substances, tobacco;

• Commit acts of adultery on the side;

• Indulge in laziness;

• Show feelings of aggression, anger and excitement;

• Use bad language and gossip.

During the period of Lent, the needs of a person’s flesh are limited in order for his spiritual world to be better revealed. During this period, the human soul is cleansed and renewed, emotional state is balanced and a person acquires harmony with the world.

What can you do during Lent?

People who are spiritually illiterate often think that Lent implies many prohibitions and restrictions, including on many church sacraments. But this is not entirely true: during this period, long services are held in the church, and therefore many priests simply physically cannot perform certain church rituals.

Is it possible to baptize a child during Lent?

Baptism of children is one of the great seven church sacraments of Christians, which has no prohibitions during the period of fasting before Easter. According to church rules, the Sacrament of Baptism is carried out all year round. At this time, priests recommend choosing the most suitable day with the minimum number of parishioners. This will allow you to make a full church ceremony in a calm environment.

Wedding in Lent

Creation new family always blessed by God, but on condition that the birth of a family occurs in compliance with all God's rules. Therefore, the church allows marriage ceremonies to be held during this period.

However, in the modern world, marriage is always accompanied by great fun with a festive program, delicious dishes made from forbidden foods and consumption of alcohol. Therefore, priests do not recommend performing a wedding ceremony during Lent. The exception is marriage, which is celebrated in a modest family circle at the Lenten table without entertainment. You can also simply sign your name during Lent without noisy celebrations.

Is it possible to get married during Lent?

The church wedding ceremony is one of the most important events in the life of every Christian. The Sacrament of Wedding implies receiving God's blessing for a happy and strong family life.

This rite is a particularly important Christian celebration. Therefore, the church prohibits getting married during all fasts. Lent is no exception. But sometimes, under certain circumstances, priests perform this ritual. To do this, the newlyweds should contact the ruling bishop and obtain his permission.

Sex life

Having sex during Lent is prohibited only for unmarried people, as this is regarded as adultery. On sex life married couples a categorical prohibition does not apply. According to church rules, slight abstinence is recommended during this period. Even according to church scriptures, spouses should not deviate from each other and determine the period of abstinence by mutual consent.

But even for married couples, sex is prohibited during Lent. good friday and Holy Week. The church also prohibits intimate life in preparation for the sacrament of holy communion.

What to do during Lent before Easter

Despite the fact that there are strict prohibitions and exceptions to them, during the period of Lent you should definitely adhere to the following rules:

• Pray at least twice a day, morning and evening;

• Read religious literature;

• Attend church regularly;

• Confess and receive communion;

• Give alms to the poor;

• Make donations;

• Do good deeds.

In a word, you shouldn’t think that Lent is a long and monotonous process. At this time, you can not only diversify your table with new Lenten dishes, but also bring joy into everyday life with prayers and spiritual healing.

Common myths about prohibitions during Lent

In the modern world, there are many misconceptions about the basic principles and rules of Lent. Unfortunately, many people are hesitant to adhere to it because they do not have complete information and do not want to risk their health.

Believers are well aware of the benefits of this ritual and therefore they encourage not only everyone around them, but also their loved ones and children to observe fasting.

The most common myths about prohibitions during Lent:

Myth 1. Changing your diet leads to starvation

Fasting involves prohibiting only eggs, meat and dairy products. There is a misconception that it is impossible to compensate for a sufficient amount of protein in the body with such nutrition. But that's not true. A wide variety of plant-based products saturates the body not only with proteins, but also with other beneficial substances.

A lean diet contains foods enriched with fiber, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, macro- and microelements. There is no feeling of hunger with this diet.

Myth 2. Sick people should not fast during Lent.

This is a misconception. If you have any pathologies, it is recommended to first consult with your doctor and adhere to certain dietary guidelines.

Products of animal origin can easily be replaced with cereals and vegetables similar in nutritional value. The main thing is to correctly study the composition of plant products and choose required quantity plant foods to replace prohibited foods.

Changing eating and spiritual behavior helps unload the body. This stimulates the functioning of all body systems and restores a person’s psycho-emotional state.

Myth 3. Prohibitions are only in diet

Lent limits not only the diet of Christians, but also their everyday life. In addition to strict prohibitions on food, they are not allowed a number of ordinary activities, entertainment, celebrations and behavior are limited. It is recommended to behave quietly and docilely, restraining irritation, anger and the manifestation of any negative emotions. You should carefully monitor your speech, avoiding foul language and lies.

During this period, even home and church prayers are subject to significant restrictions. Singing in the temple is replaced by long reading, services are held in dark vestments in twilight.

Myth 4. Children should not fast

According to church rules, children under the age of 14 are allowed not to observe Lent and this is not considered a sin. But if parents raise their child in Christian traditions and instill in him the love of God, then in such cases a softened version of fasting is permitted.

It lies in the fact that prohibited foods are not excluded from the child’s diet, since they are necessary for the full development of the growing organism. But you can put restrictions on the consumption of fast food, confectionery and sweet carbonated drinks.

As for reading prayers, the child should not be forced to do this systematically. He may attend a church service or take part in short prayers at home.

Myth 5. Ban on drinking alcohol

If you cannot imagine 40 days of Lent without alcohol, or during this period your loved ones are planning a modest family holiday, then you can replace prohibited strong alcoholic drinks with dry red grape wine. This is the only one allowed alcoholic drink. It is consumed diluted with water, in an amount of no more than 1 glass.

Lent is a period of cleansing and renewal of body and soul. He is able to improve a person’s personality, help his spiritual development and strengthen faith in God. This is the true meaning of fasting. Simply changing your diet without developing the spiritual side of your life is considered a regular diet and has nothing to do with fasting.

Each fast represents a special time when you should not compromise with your weaknesses and vices. Every person has secret sinful desires, but the righteous is not the one who is deprived of it, but the one who knows how to live with it.

Lent is not just 40 days without meat and milk. This is a real gift to us from the Lord God, because these days we become closer to Christ and the understanding of what he had to go through to cleanse our souls. It's not just 40 days of abstinence - it's the time it takes to get better.

The meaning of Lent

As mentioned above, you should not perceive fasting as something material. Abstaining from food is just a tradition. Yes, it is important, but it is not decisive. Many people limit themselves to abstaining from food, not understanding the secret meaning of fasting. Its essence is purely spiritual. The only reason we don't eat meat is because Jesus didn't do that either during his 40 days in the desert. It is much more important to give up something else. For example, from what makes you worse. This is a time for forgiving ourselves and for independently correcting our spiritual problems. For example, someone wants to quit smoking or drinking alcohol. Lent will be very useful in this case. The most common mistake is resuming bad habits after Easter. It doesn't make you stronger. An example is monks who renounce everything in the world and then return to worldly life. As clergy say, this is the worst thing that can happen for spiritual development person, for the devil tempts such people doubly stronger.

Give up something that brings you negativity. Perhaps this is communication with some person. For some it is bad habit, for some - work or an unsuccessful friendship. You may have to do something good to make up for past mistakes. There are incredibly many development options - you just need to listen to your heart.

The meaning of fasting is in the development of a person as a spiritual person. This is not a bad time, because Jesus Christ has already experienced all this. This is a time for learning, for testing yourself for strength.

Do's and Don'ts

Of course, there are prohibitions during fasting, which cannot be avoided, which cannot be chosen. During the period of abstinence it is forbidden:

• watch entertainment programs on television, funny films;
• eat animal food;
• do bad things, sin. Of course, there is no escape from sin, but you cannot do what you can foresee and control within yourself;
• get married Weddings are prohibited during Lent according to church rules;
• get angry. Negative emotions it’s better to transform it into something else: sports, work;
• give in to despondency. This is a terrible sin, one of the deadly sins that many people do not attach importance to.

What you can and should do in a post:

• visit temple;
• pray;
• take the sacrament of communion at least once;
• help loved ones in everything.

This is a time of family unity. During such periods, it’s easier than ever to join forces to become stronger together. Help each other solve emotional and spiritual problems to become stronger as a family. If other people ask you for help, then you shouldn’t refuse them if you have time to help.

Go to church, read prayers at home. If you are sick or abstaining from animal foods is contraindicated for you, then do everything to feel good. No one should blame anyone for this. It is only your choice to follow the rules or break them. Lent, like any other, is just an opportunity to become better, but you can do all this at any other time.

Be yourself and seek to know the word of God. , give kindness and do not judge harshly those who will not do this. Focus all your attention on your flaws. You will succeed - you just need a little faith and willpower. Good luck and don't forget to press the buttons and

12.02.2018 03:49

The Annunciation is very important date for the Orthodox world. This celebration is associated with the end of winter and...

On November 28, Orthodox Russians begin one of the longest fasts - Christmas. It will end on January 7.

We are gradually beginning to prepare for the great holiday of the Nativity of Christ. People who are just starting their life in the Church, as a rule, have many questions about the rules and traditions of the Nativity Fast. We tried to collect the most typical questions and asked them to Archpriest Alexey Mityushin, rector of the temple Life-Giving Trinity in Kosino.

We need the Nativity Fast in order to prepare our souls for the celebration of the great holiday - the Nativity of Christ. In the Orthodox Church, two events are celebrated in a special way: the Resurrection of Christ and the Nativity of Christ.

People waited for the Nativity of Christ for many centuries, so that with the birth of the Lord they could get rid of the power of the devil over themselves. We continue to celebrate the joy of this birth of the Savior into the world to this day. Therefore, Christians prepare themselves for this event in advance, by fasting.

Before the Nativity Fast, Christians do not fast for more than three months. (after the Dormition Fast). We relax spiritually and physically, and before Christmas it is time to gather ourselves internally. When fasting disappears from our lives, we become weak both spiritually and physically.

The Nativity Fast is needed to celebrate the great holiday of Christmas in a dignified, Christian manner. To bring gratitude to God for the fact that He did not disdain our human nature and became, like us, a perfect Man, taking upon Himself all the hardships of our earthly existence, illnesses of the flesh and spirit.

How to observe the Nativity Fast?

The Nativity fast is not so strict and complex; it is called the fish fast. The worldly tradition of fasting is easier than the monastic one. During this fast, lay people can eat fish on all days except Wednesday and Friday.

And according to church regulations, monks eat fish only on Saturdays and Sundays; on Tuesdays and Thursdays - only if holidays fall on these days. For example, the Day of Remembrance of St. Spyridon of Trimifunt (December 25), the Celebration of the Icon of the Mother of God “The Sign” (December 10) or the patronal feast. After the first of January, monks no longer eat fish.

How to keep the Nativity fast for the laity?

It must be said that in the Russian tradition Orthodox Church laymen should imitate monks in their abstinence. Whoever has the strength can fast according to church regulations. Those who do not have such an opportunity, let them not despair, do not be discouraged, but during this Lent should better practice humility, love for others, reading spiritual literature, and reading the Gospel.

What should you not do during the Nativity fast?

First of all, during the Nativity Fast you cannot commit everyday sins. If during Lent we do not eat fasting, but continue to remain crafty, angry, irritable, quarrel with our neighbors, judge others, chat in vain, this will be a violation of fasting. Fasting is an opportunity to abstain not only from food, but also from such moral daily sins that we are accustomed to not noticing in everyday life.

Is it possible to have a wedding (get married) during the Nativity Fast?

Orthodox Christians, of course, are not allowed to get married during the Nativity Fast. The wedding does not take place at this time. For those who decide to get married at the registry office, the Nativity Fast is also not the most opportune moment. It is important to remember that there is a time for everything: a time for joy and a time for abstinence. If a person considers himself an Orthodox Christian, then he must listen to the voice of the Church.

Is it possible to have sex during the Nativity fast?

This is a very subtle, personal question. The Apostle Paul responds in his first letter to the Corinthians: “The wife has no power over her body, but the husband does; likewise, the husband has no power over his own body, but the wife does” (1 Cor. 4:7) . If a husband and wife fast in bodily abstinence, it is by mutual consent.

If Orthodox Christians have a spiritual father, then this issue needs to be resolved with him. This question is much more personal than, for example, abstaining from meat. Perhaps a Christian wife has an unbelieving husband; he does not understand such abstinence at all; this can lead to a quarrel in the family. Therefore, it is better to solve this problem with your confessor.

What can you eat during the Nativity fast?

During the Nativity Fast you can eat fish, seafood, vegetables, fruits, and bread. You should not eat meat, poultry, dairy products or eggs.

Is it possible to eat fish during the Nativity Fast?

In worldly tradition, in condescension to our infirmities, fish can be eaten on all days except Wednesday and Friday. For the laity, this is more likely not a rule, but a relaxation. A modern person spends several hours a day on the road, gets tired at work, and is at home with constant household worries, which is why we, as residents of megacities, are given such lenient indulgences.

Is it possible to drink wine during the Nativity Fast?

Wine is allowed to be drunk during the Nativity Fast on Sundays and major holidays that fall during Lent. For example, the Entry into the Temple of the Most Holy Theotokos (December 4), the Day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (December 19), the day of the Apostle Andrew the First-Called (December 13), the Day of Remembrance of St. Spyridon of Trimifunt (December 25), patronal holidays.

As King David said in the Psalter: “...Wine gladdens a man’s heart, and bread strengthens him” (Ps. 103:15). Wine is allowed to be drunk on holidays and on days of fasting, but in moderation.

It is worth mentioning separately about the night from December 31 to January 1. Celebrating the New Year should also be modest, since the Orthodox continue the Nativity Fast.

Is it possible to baptize during the Nativity Fast?

Baptism can take place on any day of the Nativity Fast. There are no obstacles to baptizing a child or adult during the Nativity Fast. Another thing is that you need to prepare for the sacrament: call the church, arrange a time for baptism, talk with the priest. Now there is a rule of compulsory catechesis for adults and adolescents about to be baptized, and for godfathers or mothers when baptizing young children.

Be sure to ask about the preparation for baptism in the church where you are going to be baptized yourself or to baptize a child. You can find out on the parish website, by phone or behind a candle box.

Is it possible to receive communion during the Nativity Fast?

It is possible and, moreover, it is advisable to receive communion during the Nativity Fast more often than usual. Since fasting is a time that contributes to preparation for communion. We are in abstinence and prayer. Therefore, by observing the rules of fasting, we can approach communion with the fear of God.

How to prepare for communion during the Nativity Fast?

Fasting, if observed, is in itself a preparation for communion. You need to read the sequence to Holy Communion, read penitential canon Savior, prayer canon to the Most Holy Theotokos and canon to the Guardian Angel.

What prayers are read during the Nativity Fast?

Since not all of us have time to read the daily morning and evening rules outside of Lent, it would be best to start with them during the Nativity Fast and try to read them regularly. This will be the best prayer work for us, which it is advisable to leave in our ordinary life after the Nativity Fast.

In addition, in the Christian tradition, during Lent one should read the Gospel more often: either in a row, or the one that is read that day in church (you can see this in church calendar, where the reading for each day is indicated). And those who follow both the daily rules and regularly read the Gospel should read the Psalter.

You can read anything at home orthodox prayers for the laity (without priestly exclamations). Eat famous expression“The cell does not have a charter.” Another thing is that an akathist is a solemn, joyful, thanksgiving prayer, which may not be very appropriate, for example, on Good Friday - the day of Christ’s crucifixion. But during the Nativity Fast, you can read an akathist, especially since in December the days of remembrance of such famous saints as the Apostle Andrew the First-Called, Spyridon of Trimythous or St. Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, are celebrated.

What can you remember during the Nativity fast?

You need to remember the dead at any time of the year through prayer: submitting notes to the proskomedia (part of the liturgy), memorial services, and home prayer for deceased relatives and friends.

If we are talking about a funeral meal, then it should be fast. The measure of abstinence and the possibility of relaxing fast requirements should be discussed with your confessor or priest, whose opinion you trust.

Is it possible to conceive a child during the Nativity fast?

There is a tradition of giving up marital intimacy during fasting, so it is not worth conceiving a child during the Nativity Fast. On the other hand, the Apostle Paul says: “Do not depart from one another, except by consent, for a time, to practice fasting and prayer, and then be together again” (1 Cor. 7:5), so the question is about the possibility marital relations During the Nativity fast you need to discuss it with your spouse. If the conception of a child does occur, do not pay attention to the superstitious ideas associated with this - the date of conception does not affect the child in any way.

Is it possible to eat marshmallows during the Nativity Fast?

During the Nativity Fast, according to the monastic charter, milk and eggs are prohibited. If these products are included in marshmallows (which can be read on the product packaging), then you cannot eat them. Let us remind you that the measure of abstinence and the possibility of relaxing fasting requirements must be previously discussed with your confessor or priest, whose opinion you trust.

Is it possible to get married during the Nativity fast?

It is not entirely clear what is meant by the word “matchmaking.” If we are talking about a marriage proposal or meeting the parents of the chosen one or chosen one, then this is not prohibited. If we are talking about a wedding, then in the Orthodox Church during multi-day fasts this sacrament is not performed.

By fasting, you can “sign in the registry office” and postpone the wedding until later, but it is better to ask for a blessing from your confessor for this, and consult with him on how best to proceed.

Is it possible to sew during the Nativity Fast? Is it possible to embroider with beads during the Nativity Fast?

Of course it is possible. Sewing is a calm and soothing activity that suits the Lenten mood. It is better to embroider and sew than to waste time watching TV or spending time on the Internet after work. By the way, according to church tradition, she herself Holy Mother of God She was engaged in sewing - she sewed a curtain for Solomon's temple. On icons of the Annunciation, the Mother of God is often depicted with sewing supplies.

The main thing is that embroidery does not replace prayer in the temple. Otherwise, there are no prohibitions on doing embroidery at any time.

Any activity must be approached with inner spiritual reasoning.

Where can you celebrate unction during the Nativity Fast?

Unction during the Nativity Fast is a rarer phenomenon than unction during Great Lent.

However, in many Orthodox churches There is a tradition of unction during multi-day fasts.

You can find out how to receive unction in the church you have chosen on the parish website, by phone or at the candle box. They will tell you when you can receive unction and how best to prepare for the sacrament.

Unction is a sacrament in which we ask God for forgiveness of our forgotten sins. These do not include sins that a person deliberately concealed during confession.

Is it possible to eat crackers during the Nativity Fast?

Of course, you can eat crackers during the Nativity Fast - this is one of the leanest types of food, unless they are filled with milk.

Let us remind you that the measure of abstinence and the possibility of relaxing fasting requirements must be previously discussed with your confessor or priest, whose opinion you trust.

And, most importantly, you need to remember that the essence of the Nativity Fast is not only food restrictions, although they are also important. Starting from the gastronomic fast, a Christian improves in spiritual work - he learns to be responsible for his life through conscious self-restraint. Fasting in food is not an end in itself, but only a means to growth in Christ, another step towards the Lord and the fulfillment of His commandments.

Based on materials from a conversation between Elizaveta Ivanchina and priest Alexei Mityushin, Foma magazine

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