Nativity Fast according to the Typikon

Translation of a Russian article about fasting according to the Typikon (auth. E. Kovina)

According to the Typikon, it is conducted the same way as the Fast of Sts. Peter and Paul. When the so-called "Alleluia service" (i.e. service that is strict and is akin to services during the Great Lent)* is conducted and there is no liturgy, one is to eat raw food at the 9th hour. The first day both the Nativity and the Petrine Fast, unless it falls on a Saturday or a Sunday, such service has to be performed. On other days of these fasts when commemorating minor saints, the choice is left to the parish priest. The Typikon specifies feasts, on which there is a polyeleos or a vigil and one can eat twice and have wine and oil, on the following days: 16, 25 and 30 November and 4,5,6,9,17, 20 December (Julian Calendar). Days that commemorate Russian saints are also added.* On the Eve of the Nativity, i.e. 21st of December (JC) fish is no longer allowed even on Saturdays and Sundays. During the eves of the Nativity and Epiphany one is to fast from food and drink until the evening. One is to eat cooked food with oil once a day after the Vespers, i.e. no earlier than the 9th hour (3pm). If those days fall on a Saturday or a Sunday, in order avoid fasting (i.e. full abstinence from food\drink), after the Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom at the 6th hour (12pm), one can eat "a piece of bread and a little wine". After the Vespers "we eat normally without fish but with oil and boiled porridge or Kutia with honey; we drink also wine or in poorer countries - beer".

*See your Horologion for details or check here: http://www.orthodox.net/ustav/alleluia-days.html It should be noted, however, that at least in MP this tradition is almost fully abandoned when it comes to lesser lenten periods and only a handful of parishes still keep it.

**If one is Greek - Greek saints, Georgian - Georgian saints, etc.