The Blessed Advent Fast

The Coptic Church prepares for the celebration of the Feast of Nativity through the Advent Fast, which begins on November 25 and ends with the Feast of Nativity on January 7. Many wonder why the Western churches celebrate birth of Christ on the 25th of December while many of the Eastern churches celebrate it on the 7th of January. The answer to this question has been answered in “Calculations of the Date of the Date of the Glorious Feast of Nativity.”

In addition, we recommend the following reading:

Abba Macarius the Egyptian wrote a nice article on the Nativity, titled “On the Nativity.”

Saint Gregory the Theologian wrote an article on the Nativity, titled “Sermon on the Nativity.”

The Heritage of the Coptic Orthodox Church offers an article on the rites of the Feast of Nativity which could be found here.

There is an article relating to Hymnology, “A Difnar Hymn on the Nativity.”

We conclude our short article by presenting to you a link to “Questions and Answer about the Nativity,” which were led by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III.

We hope you enjoy the blessings of this fast!

Quote: “Fasting is a purification for prayer, light for the soul, a stimulus for the mind, and a polish for the steadfastness of heart. It is an entrance for humility and self annihilation.”

Quote Author: St. John Climacus

Doxology of the Nativity.mp3

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