The conspiracy before the Christmas Fast: what can and cannot be eaten by a church person

The prayer before the Nativity Fast is a special day of preparation for believers, when it is still allowed to eat fast food and arrange a festive table. This last non-fasting day is filled with folk and church traditions that help set you up for a 40-day period of spiritual purification and abstinence. Izvestia tells us more about what a conspiracy is and what nutrition rules should be followed during this period.

What is a spell?

Sunday is the last day before the start of the Nativity Fast, which has deep historical and spiritual roots. The first mentions of the Christmas fast are found already in the IV century, when it lasted a week before Christmas. The fast acquired a 40-day charter thanks to the reform of 1166, established by Patriarch Luke of Constantinople. The last day before lent was called "the conspiracy", or "Philippian Day", because it falls on the memory of St. Philip the Apostle, the patron saint of this period. In the folk tradition, this day is also called "Filippovka".

On Sunday, believers arrange a last rich table before a 40-day abstinence. This is an important moment of preparation, not only physically, but also mentally. The last meal of a fast meal symbolizes farewell to carnal pleasures and the mood for repentance, humility and inner purification. On this day, people gather in families, say goodbye to each other, tune in to prayer and fasting, try to end quarrels and resentments in order to enter the fast with a pure soul.

Prayer is traditionally accompanied by certain rituals, festive dishes, and prayers that help believers strengthen themselves before obeying fasting and trials. Historically, prayer and fasting have been an integral part of the spiritual life of Christians, guiding them towards gradually increasing spiritual discipline and preparation for one of the most important church holidays— Christmas.

Christmas Fast 2025-2026: when is the beginning and the end

The Nativity Fast is one of the most significant multi—day fasts in the Orthodox calendar, dedicated to spiritual preparation for the great feast of the Nativity of Christ. In 2025, it will begin on November 28 (Friday) and will last exactly 40 days, ending on Christmas Eve, January 6, 2026, in the evening. This period symbolizes the 40-day fast of Jesus Christ in the desert and calls believers to physical abstinence, prayer, repentance and mercy.

Fasting is not as strict as Lent, but it requires abstaining from meat, dairy products, and eggs. Fish is allowed to be eaten on Saturday and Sunday, as well as on some church holidays. Throughout Lent, believers try to devote more time to prayer, reading the Gospel, attending divine services, performing good deeds, and strengthening spirituality.

This fast marks an important stage of inner spiritual rebirth and preparation for the bright holiday of Christmas, reminding of the need to draw closer to God and purify the soul.

Conspiracy Rules: what you can and can't eat

The prayer before the Nativity Fast is the last day when it is still allowed to eat fast food in order to nourish and piously prepare for future abstinence. On this day, the diet includes meat, fish, dairy products, eggs and butter. Traditionally, festive dishes with animal fats, pies and various treats are prepared, which are usually served to guests and loved ones.

However, the church and folk traditions strongly recommend abstaining from excesses: do not overeat, abuse alcohol and arrange noisy feasts. The main goal is spiritual preparation and a spirit of humility and repentance.

After sunset, strict fasting restrictions begin to apply the next day. Fasting is a time of not only abstinence from food, but also spiritual purification, so it is recommended to put your thoughts in order, pray, and reconcile with your loved ones in order to enter the fast with a clear conscience and soul.