The St Philip’s Fast, also called the Nativity Fast or Pilipivka in the Ukrainian Greek‑Catholic tradition, is a forty-day period of preparation leading up to the Nativity of our Lord. It begins on 15 November, the day after the Feast of St Philip the Apostle, and ends on 24 December, the Eve of the Nativity. In the Eastern Churches, this season is a time of strict fasting (abstinence from meat, dairy, and often fish), prayer, almsgiving, and spiritual conversion.
In the Latin (Western) tradition, the counterpart season is called Advent. While Advent also calls the faithful to conversion, hope, and spiritual preparation, the discipline of fasting is generally less strict—observed as abstinence on Fridays or other penitential practices encouraged by the episcopal conference.
Liturgical Rank:
St Philip’s Fast is a penitential season of the Eastern liturgical year, culminating in the Nativity of the Lord. It is comparable to the Great Fast (Lent) in its spiritual focus, though shorter in duration.
Gregorian Calendar (Eastern‑Catholic): 15 Nov – 24 Dec
Julian Calendar (Old‑Calendar Orthodox): 15 Nov – 24 Dec (Julian), corresponding to 21 Nov – 30 Dec in the civil (Gregorian) calendar
Different churches celebrate the season on different civil dates; this diversity should be respected in ecumenical or mixed-community settings.
During the Fast, Eastern Churches commemorate key feasts and figures that prepare us to receive Christ. Families are encouraged to pray, reflect, and engage in acts of service while following the canonical fasting discipline.
Feast of St Philip (15 Nov) – The first witness of Christ’s call.
Scripture Reading: John 1:43‑50 (Jesus calls Philip and Nathanael)
Reflection: Who introduced you to Jesus? How can you share your faith with others?
Devotional Option: The Jesus Prayer (Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner), traditionally used in Eastern piety, may be incorporated, but is optional.
Presentation of the Theotokos (21 Nov) – Mary dedicated to God in the Temple.
Reflection: How do we dedicate our hearts to God? What charitable acts can our family do to serve others?
Prayer: Rejoice, Mother of God, full of grace…
Troparion: Use official troparion of the Byzantine liturgical books (Typikon). Local devotional songs may be included as optional.
Feast of St Andrew the First-Called (30 Nov) – St Andrew brings the light of Christ to the nations.
Reflection: Are we witnesses of Christ in our daily lives? How can we bring hope and love to others?
Troparion: Use official Typikon text.
Feast of St Nicholas the Wonderworker (6 Dec) – An example of loving acts and secret charity.
Reflection: How can we help others selflessly? How can our family imitate St Nicholas?
Devotional song (optional): O Khto Khto (Ukrainian folk hymn)
Sunday of the Holy Ancestors (Sunday before Nativity) – Courage and faithful hope of God’s people.
Reflection: How can we live our faith courageously?
Scripture (devotional suggestion): Daniel 6:11‑24 or lectionary passages per year.
Troparion: Use official Typikon text.
Final Sunday of the Fast – Preparation for the Nativity, focusing on the Incarnation.
Scripture: Isaiah 9:2‑7 or other liturgical readings.
Reflection: How do we prepare our hearts to receive Christ? How can our family bring the light of Christ into the world?
Troparion: Official Typikon text for the Sunday before Nativity.
Note: Any local devotional practices, songs, or prayers should be clearly distinguished from the official liturgical texts.
Eastern Churches: Abstinence from meat, dairy, and eggs (xerophagy) is the canonical norm.
Western (Latin) Rite: Optional penitential practices; abstinence on Fridays or acts of charity as determined by local episcopal conference.
Families: Fasting is a tool for spiritual growth, prayer, and service—not punishment.
The Nativity Fast emphasizes the twofold character of Advent:
Preparation for the Incarnation: We ready our hearts for Christ’s birth.
Anticipation of the Second Coming (Parousia): We live with hope and readiness for Christ’s return.
The dogmatic content is the same in East and West; the difference lies in liturgical expression, fasting discipline, and devotional customs.
Different churches may celebrate on different civil dates due to the Julian/Gregorian calendar difference.
Eastern and Western fasting practices differ in discipline.
Popular devotions (e.g., the Jesus Prayer) are optional and should harmonize with liturgy.
Mutual respect ensures that all faithful can prepare spiritually for Christ while honoring their own traditions.
The St Philip’s Fast (Nativity Fast) is a rich spiritual season inviting the faithful to conversion, prayer, charity, and hope. By observing the liturgical norms, following the canonical fasting rules, and engaging in family-oriented reflection and acts of service, we prepare our hearts to welcome Christ, the Light of the World.
