The Advent Fast began on November 15 and lasts until we celebrate the Nativity of Christ, Christmas, on December 25th. We will serve Advent Paraklesis each Wednesday night at 6pm during the Advent Fast. For more information about the Advent Fast, please see the information posted below. For resources for families during the Advent Fast, please click on the image below.

On November 15, we began, with God’s help, the forty-day Nativity Fast in preparation for the great feast of the Nativity of Christ on December 25. Throughout this period, we abstain from meat, poultry, eggs and dairy. According to the Patriarchate of Antioch, it is not necessary to fast from oil, but people may choose to do so. Please consult your spiritual father for guidance. From November 15-December 11, fish, wine and oil are allowed every day, except Wednesdays and Fridays. But fish, wine and oil are allowed on November 21, the Entrance of the Theotokos, regardless on which day of the week it falls. From December 12-24, we observe a strict fast with katalysis (relaxation) for wine and oil on Saturdays and Sundays, on commemorations of vigil rank and intermediate-rank saints such as Nicholas and Ignatius, and for church patronal saints.