Orthodox Christians who use the old-style church calendar are entering as of today, November 28, the period of the Nativity Fast, also known as the Winter Lent. The Nativity Fast has a fixed duration of 40 days and will last until January 6, when the eve of the Birth of Jesus Christ is celebrated.

Asked by IPN, the parish priest of the "Întâmpinarea Domnului" church within the State University of Moldova, Octavian Moşin, said that fasting is an exercise, not an end in itself. It should not be associated with sadness, but rather with repentance. The Christians should approach fasting as a 40 day step-by-step course, while every step would make them more worthy of the celebration of the Birth of the Savior, the priest said.

Christians are urged to abstain from animal products, from evil thoughts, to go to church more often and to repent. Octavian Moşin said that fish is allowed on Saturdays, Sundays and during Christian holidays, until January 2. From January 2 to Christmas, the fasting gets stricter.

Christians who want to engage in communion can do it every weekend and on holidays, when the liturgies will be celebrated.

The parish priest of the "Întâmpinarea Domnului" said that the New Year has nothing in common with the Christian holiday cycle and is a secular holiday. Because it occurs during the fasting period, it is recommended that people celebrate it without excesses.