The Christmas fast lasts 40 days and ends on Christmas Eve. It is also known as Philip’s Lent, because it begins after the day of commemoration of the Apostle Philip, which is celebrated on 14 November New Style.
In Ukraine since 2023 the Orthodox Church has switched to the New Julian calendar. Because of this, the dates of fasts and holidays shifted 13 days earlier. Therefore, in 2025 Christmas fasting will start on 15 November and will last until 24 December, because Christmas in the new style is celebrated on 25 December.
Those who continue to follow the old calendar will begin the fast on 28 November and end it on 6 January – the day before Christmas is celebrated on 7 January.
The period of fasting has not only food restrictions, but also spiritual content: it is a time of prayer, repentance, good deeds and inner purification. Traditionally, during these days believers abstain from meat, dairy products and entertainment, instead devoting more time to prayer and family.
Trimaye also menu ideas for Christmas Eve 2025.