Christmas Fast – 2025: dates and nutrition calendar for Orthodox

The Nativity Fast is one of the longest and most significant periods of the Orthodox calendar, ending the year and preparing believers for the feast of the Nativity of Christ. At this time, the church calls not only for abstinence in food, but also for inner purification through prayer, repentance and good deeds. Details can be found in the Izvestia article.

The Christmas Fast in 2025

In the Orthodox tradition, the Christmas Fast is timed to coincide with the celebration of the Nativity of Christ and ends annually on Christmas Eve, on the eve of the holiday. In 2025, according to the Julian Church calendar, which is maintained by the Russian Orthodox Church, the fast will begin on Friday, November 28, 2025, and last until January 6, 2026 inclusive.

Christmas is celebrated on January 7, 2026, and believers are blessed. For churches following the New Julian or Gregorian calendar (part of the local churches), the dates will shift 13 days ahead — their fast will begin and end earlier.

Features of the Christmas Fast in 2025

According to the charter, the Christmas Fast is one of four multi—day fasts per year. It is characterized by a moderate duration (40 days) and an alternation of stricter and more relaxed days.

In practice, the rule looks like this: the first part of the fast (usually before December 19th) assumes relative mildness compared to the end. Closer to Christmas Eve (January 2 to January 6), the observance becomes stricter.

During the entire period, the Typicon prescribes abstinence from meat, dairy products and eggs. In 2025, these general rules remain in place and are divided into three semantic periods, which differ in their diet by day of the week.

Nutrition calendar by day

Almost all reputable church information and Orthodox reference resources provide a scheme divided into three blocks:

— November 28 – December 19. During this period, lean food is recommended on weekdays; hot food with vegetable oil is allowed on Tuesdays and Thursdays; fish and lean food with oil are usually allowed on Saturdays and Sundays; Wednesdays and Fridays are traditionally stricter (dry eating or hot food without oil, depending on parish practice);

— December 20 – January 1. During the New Year period, the rules are somewhat tightened: on a number of days (especially weekdays), fish is usually not allowed, hot food without butter is allowed on individual days, and breaks are maintained on weekends and holidays.;

— January 2-6 (Christmas Eve and pre-holidays). The strictest part of the fast: on many days, dry eating is recommended; even on Saturday and Sunday, eating fish is usually not practiced. Only very modest allowances are allowed, depending on local church guidelines.

How and when fasting is softened

The church calendar contains twelve days and other holidays, which impose exceptions. So, if a significant holiday or commemoration of a saint with a liturgical statute falls on the days of lent, the local bishop or the statute may allow for indulgences, for example, allowing fish on the day of a big holiday.

In addition, Sundays traditionally have a milder statutory tone (Sunday is the day of Christ's Resurrection), therefore, allowances are allowed for many Sundays compared to weekdays.

How to fast without harm to health

Medical and dietary recommendations for fasting are reduced to the general rule of balance: excluding animal products, it is important to provide the body with protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals from plant and marine sources. Practical advice from experts:

— Plan your diet so that it contains legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds — they compensate for protein and some fats.;

— Include seafood and fish in the menu on acceptable days, if local practice allows; they provide marketable omega-3 and easily digestible protein;

— Monitor the sufficient intake of iron and vitamin B12; if fasting is strictly observed for a long time, you can consult a doctor and, if necessary, undergo an examination or select dietary supplements according to indications.;

— Fractional nutrition and an adequate volume of fluids help maintain energy and digestion. Excessive concentrations of simple carbohydrates and an overabundance of fried and highly processed foods should be avoided.;

— For chronic diseases (diabetes, kidney disease, cardiovascular diseases), coordinate any change in diet with your doctor.

Withdrawal from fasting should also be gradual. On January 7, it makes sense to start with light meals and small portions, gradually returning animal products to the diet.