2026 Nativity Fast Letter

Fr. Solomon Longo · November 13, 2026 · pastoral-letter

Christ is in Our Midst. The Nativity Fast is about to begin. We turn our minds to the coming of Christ in human form. God became a man without ceasing to be God. The plan hidden before the ages began comes to pass in the midst of Israel, and makes possible a new meaning to the word “Emmanuel (God with us);” God tabernacles forever among us, forever as one of us, forever in us. We live in a society in which a large share of persons no longer love Christ’s appearing. We need not be angry with those who no longer look toward our Savior’s birth, but only pray that a guiding star would again be provided to them. We can also be thankful for what remains as a prophecy to our land; the Christmas season is not devoid of manger scenes; music to the newborn King continues. And many of those same people who do not look to Christ still hear and speak of His aliases, “Love,” “Generosity,” and “Kindness,” during this season. May love, generosity, and kindness be abundant spiritual gifts among all of us who bear Christ’s name, and may they witness to our neighbors that the warm feelings of Christmas have a Source, and that we know Him. Guidance for the Nativity Fast: As with all fasts, it is to be remembered that we follow the fast as people who seek its spiritual nourishment. In a world of consumption and impulse, there is an incredible spiritual health and peace to be gained by following the fasts of the Church. The fasts are for every Christian, and we should give thought each year to following them attentively and sacrificially. Let us also remember that the only reason to look at our neighbor’s plate is to make sure that they have enough. Let us all remember that the Publican walked away justified and not the Pharisee. Let us all remember the words of St. John Chrysostom that fasting while devouring our brother in anger is of no benefit. When it comes to the Nativity Fast, particularly, there is something else to add. Our society has forgotten the Christian practice of fasting before celebrating Nativity. The traditional festal pattern is a time of fasting and of celebration on either side of a climactic holy day. The fasting has been forgotten. This leaves a celebration that now leads up to Christmas and then abruptly ends. While we may regret that this change occurred in the Western world, we need not forsake our country’s high tide of joy that is the Pre-Christmas season in order to also honor our Christian heritage of fasting. Along with establishing or keeping traditions for the festive days after Christmas when national festivity is waning, I also suggest that we celebrate with family members on those special occasions, even if they come during the Fast. It is a principle of the Church that we show our appreciation for hospitality. If loved ones provide foods that are not in accordance with the fast, especially if they are part of family traditions (“grandma’s famous cookies”), we should think long and hard before rejecting those family traditions. Our fasting can continue at our own home. If family members have carved out an occasion or two that are the unique gathering times of the year, and all the more so if the occasions are inspired by Christian faith, then our faith should not make us refrain from festivity. May we thank God for them, their cooking and baking efforts, and the love that brought us together, and try to shift the leftovers to others without being rude. If they know that we prepare for Christ’s birth by fasting, praise God. But may we be known for gratitude and not rebuke when others wish to share a festive moment with us. These are my suggestions gathered from my fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters in Christ. Take what is good, and ask me for any needed clarifications. The fasting norms are below. Fasting Norms: No meat, dairy, or eggs during the Fast. Fish, wine, and olive oil are permitted as follows: Fish, wine, and oil are permitted each weekend except for the Sunday before Christmas. Fish, wine, and oil are also called for on the 16th (Apostle Matthew) and the 30th (Apostle Andrew). Wine and oil are permitted on all Tuesdays and Thursdays of the fast. Glory to Christ Emmanuel! A blessed and merry Christmas to all, Fr. Solomon