Grace Thompson
The Catholic Church observes fasting and abstinence (from meat) at various times each year. For Catholics, fasting is the reduction of one's intake of food, while abstinence refers to refraining from something that is good but not inherently sinful, such as meat. One of the lesser-known fasting cycles occurs in Eastern Catholic churches and begins on November 15, ending on Christmas Eve. This is known as the Nativity Fast or Philip's Fast. It is a spiritual practice followed in Eastern Christian churches to prepare for the birth of Jesus Christ. The Roman Catholic equivalent, St. Martin's Lent, is no longer observed except by the most devout. While Sundays and solemnities such as Christmas are never days of fasting or abstinence, Christmas Eve was previously a day of fasting and abstinence for Catholics. In 1959, Pope John XXIII allowed the fast to be moved to December 23, and in 1966, Pope Paul VI revised the law of fasting and abstinence, making abstinence on Christmas Eve voluntary.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do Catholics fast on Christmas Eve? | In 1959, Pope John XXIII allowed Catholics to move the Christmas Eve fast to December 23. However, the United States, Great Britain, and Ireland continued to observe the fast on December 24. |
| Which Catholic churches fast on Christmas Eve? | Traditional Catholics, Byzantine Catholics, and Eastern Catholic churches fast on Christmas Eve. |
| What is the history of fasting on Christmas Eve? | In the past, the law of fasting and abstinence required Catholics to abstain from meat before noon on Christmas Eve. However, Pope Paul VI revised this law in 1966. |
| What are the rules for fasting in the Catholic Church? | The Catholic Church teaches that fasting is the reduction of food intake, while abstinence refers to refraining from something good, such as meat. During fasting, Catholics can eat one full meal and two smaller meals (collations) in a day. |
| Are there any exceptions to fasting on Christmas Eve? | If Christmas Eve falls on a Friday, the rules for Friday abstinence apply. Catholics are required to abstain from meat on Fridays unless their national bishops' conference has allowed for a substitution with another form of penance. |
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What You'll Learn
- The Nativity Fast, also known as Philip's Fast, is observed by Eastern Catholic churches
- Christmas Eve is the final day of the Nativity Fast
- The law of fasting binds those who have attained their majority until the beginning of the sixtieth year
- Catholics may eat only one full meal and two smaller meals on days of mandatory fasting
- In 1959, Pope John XXIII allowed the Christmas Eve fast to be moved to December 23
The Nativity Fast, also known as Philip's Fast, is observed by Eastern Catholic churches
The Nativity Fast, also known as Philips Fast, is observed by Eastern Catholic churches. It is a spiritual practice that begins on November 15, the day after the feast of St. Philip, and ends on Christmas Eve. This fast period lasts for 40 days, mirroring the Great Lent fast. The emphasis during this time is on reflecting on the mystery of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ and spiritually preparing for his birth.
The practice of fasting or abstaining is believed to bring one closer to God. During the Nativity Fast, individuals may choose to abstain beyond what is normally required. For example, Byzantine Catholics, who already abstain from meat every Friday throughout the year, may further restrict their diet by abstaining from meat on additional days or other foods. The degree of adherence to the traditional rules of the fast is often left to the discretion of the faithful.
The concept of fasting is not just limited to food but also extends to abstaining from certain activities. This can include engaging in acts of charity, going to confession, participating in religious groups, increasing prayer, and reading Scripture or religious texts. The discipline of fasting is often accompanied by prayer, repentance, and almsgiving, with the belief that controlling bodily desires will help orient oneself towards spiritual needs and a closer relationship with Christ.
The Eve of Nativity, or Christmas Eve, is considered a strict fast day called Paramony, where no solid food is consumed until Sirius is observed in the evening sky or after the Vesperal Divine Liturgy. However, if Paramony falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the strict fast is not observed, and a meal with wine and oil is allowed after the morning Divine Liturgy.
While the tradition of fasting during Advent has diminished in Western Catholicism, it remains an important practice for Eastern Catholics as they prepare for the Nativity of Jesus on December 25.
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Christmas Eve is the final day of the Nativity Fast
Christmas Eve, December 24, is the final day of the Nativity Fast, a period of fasting and penance observed by the Eastern Orthodox Church, Oriental Orthodox Church, and Catholic Church. The Nativity Fast is a spiritual practice that prepares for the birth of Jesus Christ, with an emphasis on reflecting on the mystery of the Incarnation. This fast is observed in addition to the Roman Rite by the Byzantine Catholic Tradition for centuries.
The Nativity Fast is also known as Philip's Fast as it begins the day after the feast of St. Philip on November 15 in the Eastern Catholic liturgical calendar. It is one of the lesser-known fasting cycles that occurs in Eastern Catholic churches and lasts for a full 40 days, corresponding to the Great Lent fast. The fasting rules during this period permit fish, wine, and oil on certain feast days, and persons who are ill, very young, elderly, or nursing mothers are exempt from fasting.
The final day of the Nativity Fast, Christmas Eve, is traditionally called Paramony, which means 'preparation' in Greek. It is observed as a strict fast day, where those who are physically able to refrain from food until the first star is observed in the evening, or after the Vesperal Divine Liturgy, when a meal with wine and oil may be consumed. In some places, the services during the Nativity Fast are similar to those during Great Lent, with Lenten services performed on at least the first day.
The practice of fasting on Christmas Eve has evolved over time. In 1959, Pope John XXIII allowed the Christmas Eve fast to be moved to December 23 in the United States, Great Britain, and Ireland, while other nations retained the original date. The Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh provides guidance for the Vigil of the Nativity fast, allowing those who are fasting to consume a double portion of food (known as "jejunium gaudiosum") on Christmas Eve.
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The law of fasting binds those who have attained their majority until the beginning of the sixtieth year
The Catholic Church observes fasting and abstinence at various times each year. Fasting is the reduction of one's intake of food, while abstinence refers to refraining from something that is good but not inherently sinful, such as meat. The Church teaches that all people are obliged by God to perform penance for their sins, and these acts of penance are both personal and corporeal.
The law of fasting binds those who have attained their majority, which is considered to be from age 18, until the beginning of their sixtieth year. Those who are physically or mentally ill, including those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, pregnant or nursing women, and individuals for whom fasting would pose a medical hardship are exempt from the law of fasting. The local episcopal conferences can modify the rule, and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has declared that the age of fasting is from 18 to 60 years old.
The current practice of fasting and abstinence is regulated by Canons 1250–1253 of the 1983 code. They specify that all Fridays throughout the year and the time of Lent are penitential times throughout the entire Church. According to Canon 1252, the law of fasting binds those who have attained their majority, and the law of abstinence binds those who have completed their fourteenth year. Pastors of souls and parents are to ensure that even those who are not bound by the law of fasting and abstinence due to their age are taught the true meaning of penance.
Fasting and abstinence are observed on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and where possible, throughout Holy Saturday. On these days, Catholics who are not exempted are required to observe both abstinence and fasting. Additionally, on all Fridays of the year, Catholics are required to observe abstinence from meat, unless they practice another form of penance.
There are also specific fasting cycles observed in Eastern Catholic Churches, such as the Nativity Fast or Philip's Fast, which begins on November 15 and ends on Christmas Eve. This fast is a spiritual practice to prepare for the birth of Jesus Christ and lasts for 40 days, corresponding to the Great Lent fast. During this time, specific practices vary, but some days involve avoiding meat, dairy products, and oil, while on other days there are no restrictions.
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Catholics may eat only one full meal and two smaller meals on days of mandatory fasting
The Catholic Church observes the disciplines of fasting and abstinence from meat at various times each year. For Catholics, fasting is the reduction of one's intake of food, while abstinence refers to refraining from something that is good but not inherently sinful, such as meat.
On days of mandatory fasting, Catholics may eat only one full meal and two smaller meals, known as "collations". The size of the collation is normally no more than 8 ounces. The two smaller meals do not equal a full meal. These restrictions only relate to solid food, not drinks, so any beverages—including alcohol—can be consumed without restriction.
The Byzantine Catholic Tradition, in addition to the Roman Rite, has kept the Vigil of Christmas as a fast day for centuries. Christmas Eve is the final day of the Nativity Fast, a period of 40 days of fasting leading up to Christmas. The Roman Catholic equivalent, known as St. Martin's Lent, is rarely observed.
In 1959, Pope John XXIII allowed Catholics in the United States, Great Britain, and Ireland to transfer the Christmas Eve fast to December 23. However, this vigil ceased to be a day of fasting in the modern Catholic Church following changes in 1966.
In addition to the above, Catholics must observe the Eucharistic Fast, which involves taking nothing but water or medicine for one hour before receiving the Eucharist.
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In 1959, Pope John XXIII allowed the Christmas Eve fast to be moved to December 23
The Catholic Church observes the disciplines of fasting and abstinence (from meat) at various times each year. For Catholics, fasting is the reduction of one's intake of food, while abstinence refers to refraining from something that is good, and not inherently sinful, such as meat. The Catholic Church teaches that all people are obliged by God to perform some penance for their sins, and that these acts of penance are both personal and corporeal.
On days of mandatory fasting, Catholics may eat only one full meal during the day, along with two smaller meals, known as "collations". The size of the collation is normally to be only 8 ounces. The Church's requirements on fasting relate only to solid food, not to drink, so the amount of water or other beverages—even alcoholic drinks—that can be consumed is not restricted by Church law.
The Byzantine Catholic Tradition, in addition to the Roman Rite, has kept the Vigil of Christmas as a fast day for centuries. Christmas Eve is the final day of the Nativity Fast, a period of 40 days of fasting leading up to Christmas. The Roman Catholic equivalent, known as St. Martin's Lent, is rarely observed anymore except by the most devout.
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Frequently asked questions
In the past, Christmas Eve was a day of fasting and abstinence for Catholics. However, in 1959, Pope John XXIII allowed Catholics to transfer the fast to December 23. Today, fasting and abstinence on Christmas Eve are no longer obligatory for Catholics.
The Nativity Fast, also known as Philip's Fast, is a spiritual practice observed in Eastern Catholic Churches. It begins on November 15, the day after the feast of St. Philip, and ends on Christmas Eve. It is a 40-day period of fasting and spiritual preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ.
On days of mandatory fasting, Catholics are permitted to eat one full meal and two smaller meals, known as "collations," that do not exceed the size of the full meal. Fasting only applies to solid food, and Catholics are still allowed to drink water or other beverages, including alcohol.
Christmas Eve is not a solemnity, and the rules for abstinence on Fridays apply. If the national bishops' conference requires abstinence from meat on Fridays, then Catholics must abstain from meat on Christmas Eve. However, if the conference allows for an alternative form of penance, meat can be consumed.
