On November 28, Orthodox Christians began the Nativity fast, which will last 40 days and end on the night of January 7, the day of the celebration of the Nativity of Christ.
During Lent, believers abstain from consuming animal products such as meat, milk and dairy products. However, the Nativity Fast is considered not as strict as the Great or Assumption Fast, since it is permitted to eat fish and fish caviar.
In addition, during fasting you can eat vegetable oil, mushrooms, vegetables, fruits, cereals, nuts, lean bread and pastries, honey, soy, almond or other plant milk.
On Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday you can eat hot food with vegetable oil and fish. On Wednesday and Friday, fasting is stricter, and fish should not be eaten on these days.
However, giving up food of animal origin is only part of the Nativity Fast. The main meaning of fasting is the spiritual cleansing of a person. In 40 days, a believer should become more tolerant, compassionate, learn to forgive and help others.
