Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

The Christmas fasting - 40 days of spiritual purification before the glorious Nativity

Photo: Archive

On November 15, the second longest fasting in the Bulgarian Orthodox tradition begins, which is preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus Christ. ‎
It is believed that, although it lasts 40 days, the Christ's Nativity fast is not as strict as the long period of fasting preceding Easter and the feast of the Assumption of the Theotokos.

The long period of abstinence from food of animal origin is preceded by the consumption of meat products on November 14 and mutual forgiveness, which calms the mind and prepares the faithful for the long period of spiritual purification and bodily deprivation, in which leading should be the words of St. John Chrysostom: "The benefit of fasting should not limit you only to abstinence from eating food, because true fasting is distancing yourself from evils. Avoid injustice. Forgive your neighbor's offense. Forgive your debtors".‎
According to the Statute of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, during the first week of the Christmas fast, as well as from December 20 to 24 inclusive, only vegetable food with vegetable oil is consumed. During the rest of the fasting days (excluding Wednesdays and Fridays), invertebrates (snails, clams, octopuses, etc.) are allowed. 

Tradition dictates that on November 21 - the feast of the Introduction of the Virgin into the Temple, and on December 6 - Saint Nicholas Day, fish can also be consumed.

Read also:



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

The hottest days of the year known as "goreshtnitsi" start in Bulgaria

The  goreshtnitsi –  dog days, the hottest days of summer in Bulgaria fall on 15, 16 and 17 July. Their roots go back to pagan times and are connected with the cult of fire. The tradition of  goreshtnitsi  is observed mostly in Northern and..

published on 7/15/24 10:34 AM
Photo: Scientific Society of Bulgarians in the Republic of Moldova

Bulgarians in Moldova pay tribute to the feat of Hristo Botev and the heroes of Bulgaria

Did you know that in the Moldovan capital Chisinau there is a street named after Hristo Botev? Located about three kilometers from the city center, there stands an impressive monument to the Bulgarian poet, revolutionary and public figure, who died in..

published on 6/1/24 2:10 PM

The tradition of sending Easter cards in Bulgaria dates back to the Liberation

When we have a special occasion where we meet relatives or friends, as a sign of respect and as a memory, we usually present them with a gift, complete with a beautiful card. In the past, the card received was kept as a cherished memory and even passed..

published on 5/4/24 4:35 AM