The East-Orthodox Fast of the Nativity, sometimes called the Phillipian Fast, focuses on preparing the body, mind and spirit for the birth of Christ. The fast begins on November 14th which is the holy day for St. Phillip the Apostle. It is important for an interfaith minister of the Universal Life Church to understand the importance of this fast for Orthodox Christians. The Nativity Fast is more than merely a fast from certain foods. It is also a fast from sins which cloud the mind and muddy the spirit like anger, greed and selfishness.
Those who want to be ordained as interfaith ministers may be familiar with fasting from other religions. Fasting has many purposes including ridding the body of toxins, shifting one’s focus away from bodily hungers to spiritual ones, enhancing personal discipline and as a form of social or political protest. However, to be ordained in the Universal Life Church, an interfaith minister who works with Orthodox Christians, must understand the rules of this fast. The fast entails refraining from red meat, poultry, eggs, dairy products, fish and wine. On weekends and certain holy days, the dietary rules are relaxed. Children, the elderly, the ill and nursing mothers are exempt from dietary fasting although they are expected to participate in the mental and spiritual components of the fast.
It is ironic that the purpose of a fast from food is to turn one’s attention away from the physical to focus on the spiritual, yet frequently people focus on what can or cannot be eaten and neglect the deeper purpose of the fast. Fasting from certain foods during the Nativity Fast cleanses the body and prepares it for the birth of Christ. Many people give little thought to what they eat and when. The fast makes people consider what they eat and how often. It helps people gain control over something which may unknowingly dominate their life.
The Nativity Fast is, also, a time to mentally prepare for Christ’s birth. Orthodox Christians are called to fast from gossip, greed, anger, covetousness and all other forms of sin. The Church teaches that the body, mind and spirit are all connected and what effects one influences the others. Just as fasting from food cleanses the body, fasting from negative thoughts cleanses the mind. The call to almsgiving, which means charity, turns one thoughts to the needs of others. By focusing on others, the mind becomes more Christ like.
Despite the emphasis on food, the Nativity Fast is primarily about preparing oneself spiritually for the miracle of God being born as a human baby. It is a time for increased prayer and almsgiving. Orthodox Christians are encouraged to receive the sacrament of Confession. Confession and repentance cleanses the soul as the food fast cleanses the body and refraining from negative thoughts cleanses the mind. It is not enough to merely avoid certain foods and watch your language during the Nativity fast. These things must be done mindfully, with the ever present purpose of drawing closer to God. The Fast of the Nativity is an opportunity to purify body, mind and soul in order to fully partake in the miracle of Christ’s birth.