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As the conflict in Ukraine approaches its third year, Eastern Catholics are observing the annual Advent fast with renewed purpose. Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, has called for dedicating the Nativity Fast to prayer and fasting for victory over war. This message was delivered on November 17, marking 1,000 days since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The Nativity Fast, also known as the Fast of St. Philip or "Pylypivka," is observed by Eastern Catholics and Christians worldwide. Instituted at the Council of Constantinople in 1166, it begins on November 15 and ends on Christmas Eve. During this period, participants typically abstain from meat on specific days and observe a lesser form of abstinence on others.
The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC) has issued guidelines for the 2024 fast, emphasizing restraint from noisy celebrations and other gatherings during fasting days. Certain groups are exempted from fasting requirements, including children under 14, adults over 60, pregnant women, and those engaged in strenuous work.
Modern adaptations to the fast do not diminish its call to sacrifice and repentance. The UGCC highlights that fasting involves both physical abstinence and spiritual restraint. A quote from St. John Chrysostom's "Homilies on the Statutes" is cited to encourage fasting not only from food but also from sin.
The spiritual preparation for Christ’s birth takes place against the backdrop of ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The war has been declared a genocide in reports by the New Lines Institute and Raoul Wallenberg Center for Human Rights.
Major Archbishop Shevchuk acknowledged the destruction and casualties resulting from the conflict but noted a persistent hope among Ukrainians: "We witness Christ...epitomizing the suffering of the Ukrainian people." He urged prayers for those affected by war as they prepare to meet Christ anew this Advent season.
Gina Christian is a multimedia reporter at OSV News. Follow her on X (formerly Twitter) @GinaJesseReina.
