Phillip's Fast
The Nativity Fast: from  November 15 to
The Feast of The Nativity of Our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ

Guidelines and Suggestions
The Fast period of the 40 days before the Great Feast of the Nativity reminds us of the necessity of wholeness of being which the life of the Kingdom demands. The Incarnation unites the Creator and His creatures in the Person of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and demonstrates the goodness of matter and the interconnectedness of the whole cosmos: physical, living and spiritual

The Age of the Holy Spirit which began at Pentecost calls all who have been Baptized into Christ and Sealed with the Holy Spirit to live the life of the Blessed Trinity here and now, through love of God and neighbor, worship of the Trinity, Prayer, Fasting and Good Works (Philanthropia). It is in this last that we most closely mirror the work of the Trinity in the world, since God is, par excellence , the "Lover of Humanity."

Fasting allows us to become ever more aware that what happens to any one part of ourselves (body, soul, spirit) affects all the other parts as well. We cannot claim to have "a wonderful prayer life," and live a life of oppression of others, cruelty, or misuse of the body or mind.

By feeling mild pangs of hunger, I realize that I am not sufficient to bring myself into being, or to sustain myself. The desire for food can be a sign to me of my even greater need for God. Every time I pass a "Jack-in-the-Box" or other fast-food hamburger emporium and want to get an "Ultimate Cheeseburger," I am also reminded of the season of the year, of my commitment to The Lord, and that nothing is "Ultimate" except God.
Some may complain that these are artificial or external methods; but, after all, as embodied creatures, we need external stimuli to help us interpret and understand the world. There is nothing bad or degrading about the physical universe: only in its misuse!

Our guidelines are just that: the guiding advice of the Holy Canons. We do not understand Fasting to be "bound under sin." If one were to completely disregard the Church's seasons of fasting, however, it would be the same as ignoring the Doctor's advice: no one is going to put you into jail, but you will not get well, either!

If, because of genuine health problems, or work situation, etc., you cannot keep the strict Fast, modify it as need be, in consultation with your Spiritual Father or Mother. Those who might not be able to fast from foods at all, should remember that there are other kinds of fasting: from sin (first of all!), but also from entertainments, etc. Additional prayer, both liturgical and private, are also appropriate during a Fast Season. Everyone can keep the season in some way. All Christians should have a Staretz (Spiritual Guide)

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