The Nativity Fast Begins Soon: The 2026 Fish Release Calendartranslated

The Nativity Fast will begin this year on Sunday, November 15. During the 40 days of preparation for the Christmas celebration, the Orthodox believers will have 14 days of fasting for fish, according to the church calendar.

During this period, the Church urges the faithful to intensify prayer, participate in religious services and perform acts of charity, combining food restraint with care for one's neighbor.

The Christmas fast is one of the four great fasts over the year and represents a period of spiritual preparation for the celebration of the birth of the Savior Jesus Christ.

The last day of the period of restraint is December 24, Christmas Eve, when the faithful prepare to welcome the feast of the Nativity.

Fish free days in 2026 The Fast of the Nativity is less severe from a dietary point of view than the Fast of Holy Easter, the church order foreseeing several days with indulgence in fish.

According to the Orthodox calendar for the year 2026, they are:

November: 21, 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30. December: 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 and 19.

The first fish release is on November 21,...