The Tradition Of The Advent

Beginning Of The Advent

Nobody knows precisely when the Advent began, but it can be traced back to when at least 567 monks were required to fast in the months preceding up to Christmas. During the Advent, specific individuals fast to help them prepare for Jesus’ arrival.

The Advent, also known as the Nativity Fast, lasts 40 days and begins on November 15th in many Orthodox, Celtic, and Eastern Catholic churches. During Advent, Orthodox Christians often abstain from eating meat and dairy and olive oil, wine, and fish, depending on the day.

On this calendar from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, you may see what days and foods to consume. Some of the Christmas carols are Advent songs! ‘People Look East,’ ‘Come, Thou Long-Awaited Jesus,’ ‘Lo! He Comes, With Clouds Descending,’ and possibly the most well-known Advent song, ‘O Come, O Come Emmanuel!’.