Orthodox Christians have four fasts a year, during which the use of animal products is prohibited. However, there are some indulgences in the fasts, for example, during the Nativity Fast on most days, it is allowed to eat fish.
Fish is a healthy and beloved product by many, so it is not at all surprising that most people who observe the fast are interested in the question of whether it is possible to eat this product during the Christmas fast. The answer is unequivocal - yes, you can eat fish, but not every day, but only on certain days of the week.
If you decide to fast, then you need to know the basic rules for eating during the Nativity Fast:
- on the first, third and fifth day of the week, it is forbidden to eat all products of animal origin, as well as fish, vegetable oil. Wine is also banned (although this product is generally undesirable to use during fasting). Dry eating is the main current rule of these days;
- on the second, fourth, sixth and seventh day of the week, it is permissible to use vegetable oil when cooking (add to salads, fry in it);
- on the sixth and seventh days of the week of the entire fast, you can eat all of the above, as well as fish. As you know, in 2017, the Nativity Fast began on November 28, and will end on January 6, so you can eat fish dishes during that period on December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 and 31. It is also worth noting that fish cannot be eaten on January 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, even if any of these days falls on Saturday and / or Sunday.
In general, it is worth remembering that fish in fasting is, in a way, an indulgence, because not everyone can manage for several weeks only with cereals, vegetables and fruits. Therefore, if you quite easily tolerate this "diet" in which there are no animal products and fish, then stick to it without the above indulgences, that is, exclude fish delicacies from your menu.
