On November 28, the Orthodox Christians who follow the Julian calendar enter the Nativity Fast that is also known as the Christmas Fast. It lasts by January 7. Priests urge the Christians to pray.

Priest Eugen Onicov, of “Saint Panthelemon” Church, has told IPN that the fast lasts for 40 days and entails fasting from products of animal origin. Unlike Lent, fish, wine and oil are allowed on Saturdays and Sundays, and on the Feasts of Saint Andrew and Saint Hierarch Nicholas.

From the very first week of the fast, the Christians can take communication in any church. On Christmas Eve, they eat nothing until the first star appears in the sky.

There are four main periods of extended fasting during the year – the Great Lent, the Nativity Fast, the Fast of Apostles Peter and Paul, and the Dormition Fast.