Orthodox Nativity Fast 2026: Start Date and Fish Days

05 Nov 2026, 02:59 by Bill Giannopoulos · Greek City Times

The Orthodox Nativity Fast begins on Sunday, 15 November 2026, marking 40 days of spiritual preparation for Christmas.

During the fasting period, Orthodox Christians observing the revised Julian calendar are allowed to eat fish on 14 specific days, as indicated by the Church calendar.

The fast, also known as the Christmas Fast, is one of the four major fasting periods of the Orthodox liturgical year. It encourages the faithful to prepare for the birth of Jesus Christ through prayer, repentance, participation in church services and acts of charity.

Alongside dietary restrictions, the Church calls on Christians to show greater care for others and strengthen their spiritual lives in the lead-up to the celebration of the Nativity.

The final day of the fast is 24 December, Christmas Eve, with Christmas celebrated on 25 December.

When is fish permitted during the 2026 Nativity Fast?

The Nativity Fast is generally less strict than Great Lent, with fish permitted on designated days.

According to the 2026 Orthodox calendar, fish may be eaten on the following dates:

November: 21, 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30.

December: 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 and 19.

The first day when fish is permitted is 21 November, the feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple.

Important feast days during the fast

Several significant feast days and commemorations fall within the Nativity Fast.

These include the feast of St Andrew the Apostle on 30 November and St Nicholas the Wonderworker on 6 December.

The Romanian Orthodox Church will also commemorate two women canonised by its Holy Synod in 2025: St Anastasia, the mother of St Andrew Șaguna, on 1 December, and St Eulogia, the Nun-Martyr of Samurcășești, on 19 December.

The Nativity Fast is a period of spiritual reflection that recalls the expectation of the coming Saviour. Through fasting, prayer and good deeds, the faithful are encouraged to prepare for the celebration of Christ’s birth.

When does the Nativity Fast begin for Old Calendar Orthodox Christians?

Orthodox Churches and communities following the unrevised Julian calendar will observe the Nativity Fast from 28 November 2026 to 6 January 2027, according to the Gregorian calendar.

These dates correspond to 15 November to 24 December on the Julian calendar.

Christmas is celebrated on 7 January by these communities. The fast also lasts 40 days, although the rules governing fish and other foods can vary according to local Church traditions.

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