Christmas Eve is the last day of the multi-day fast, which begins on November 28 and lasts, like Great Lent, 40 days. On Christmas Eve, many believers do not eat food at all or observe a particularly strict fast. Only with the appearance of the first star – the symbol of the star of Bethlehem – can one enjoy a juicy taste (wheat or rice boil with honey and fruits). Hence the name of this day – Christmas Eve.
–
According to Patriarch Cyril, on Christmas Eve, or on the eve of the Nativity of Christ, “The Church recalls all those who preceded the Savior in the flesh – His relatives, starting from Abraham,” which “helps us understand that the Savior is part of our history.”
–
“In liturgical holiday texts, not only the Lord who was born for the sake of our Salvation is glorified, but also those thanks to which His incarnation became possible – the Blessed Virgin Mary, the righteous Joseph the Betrothed, holy forefathers. Let us recall our relatives on this solemn day: we will visit our parents and friends , we’ll pay attention to them, find kind words, thank them for everything that they do for us, ”the patriarch’s traditional Christmas message says.
–
On the night of January 6-7, the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church will traditionally lead the meeting of the Nativity of Christ in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior.
– .
