The Orthodox Nativity Fast in 2025 will run for 41 days — from November 14 to December 24 — during which believers observe dietary discipline, with fish permitted on Saturdays and Sundays except in the first and final week.
By contrast, in Orthodox communities that follow the unrevised Julian (Old) Calendar, the Nativity Fast starts 13 days later — on 28 November — and ends on 6 January, as Christmas is observed on 7 January.
It is one of the four major annual fasts established by the Orthodox Church to spiritually prepare the faithful for the Great Feast of the Nativity of Jesus Christ.
For 41 days, believers are called to self-restraint, prayer, good deeds and reconciliation with others, preparing — through purity of heart — to welcome the great feast of Christmas.
This fasting season is considered lighter from a dietary perspective, as it allows fish on Saturdays and Sundays, except for the first and last weeks of the Fast.
The Nativity Fast recalls the period in which the Virgin Mary prepared to give birth to the Son of God and is a time of charity and reconciliation.
On November 30, the National Cathedral will celebrate its patronal feast, with Saint Andrew the Apostle — Romania’s Patron Saint — as its protector.
This year, the feast of the Nativity of the Lord falls on a Thursday.
Days when fish is permitted
In addition to the Saturdays and Sundays mentioned, the Orthodox liturgical calendar also allows fish on the following weekdays:
- Entrance of the Mother of God into the Temple (November 21)
- Great Martyr Catherine (November 25)
- Saints Paisius and Cleopas of Sihăstria (December 2)
- Great Martyr Barbara (December 4)
- Conception of the Virgin Mary by Saint Anne (December 9)
- Saint Daniel the Hesychast (December 18)
Photo: Basilica.ro / Mircea Forescu
