Pylypivka  (Pre-Christmas  Fast)

Ukrainian Catholics refer to the pre-Christmas fast period as Pylypivka or St. Philip's Fast, as it always begins on the day after the feast of St. Philip the Apostle, November 15.  It ends on December 24^th.

This fast once had very strict rules.  Today, the Church encourages us to abstain from meat on Wednesdays and Fridays.  We are also required to practice the spirit of sacrifice, penance, especially charity.  To prepare to celebrate the joy of Christmas, we fast, we pray more and we increase our acts of love and compassion.

It is important to approach the fasting with the right attitude.  It does not make sense to abstain from meat on Friday only to go out to an elegant lobster dinner.  It is essential that an inner fast accompany the outer fast.  Fasting involves not just food, but the entire being.  Our mouths should fast from off-color, offensive or hurtful words.  Our eyes should fast from things they shouldn’t see, perhaps movies or television programs that do not promote Christian values.  Our ears should fast from listening to things they shouldn’t, like gossip and music that goes against moral integrity.  Our minds should fast from thoughts that aren’t compatible with our life as Christians.

 Some of the things we can do during this Christmas fast are the following:

1)  Read and Reflect:  Set time aside each day to spend in prayer and reading connected with Christmas and its meaning. 

This can include readings from the Old Testament, especially from the prophets, who foretold the coming of the Messiah.

Micah 5:2-4,

Baruch 3:35-4:4,

Isaiah 7:10-16,

Isaiah 8:1-4, 9-10,

Genesis 1:1-13,

Numbers 24:2-3, 5-9,17-18,

Micah 4:6-7,

Isaiah 11:1-10,

Daniel 2:31-36, 44-45,

Isaiah 9:6-7.

New Testament:  Matthew 1:18-25,

Matthew 2:1-12

Matthew 2:13-23

Luke 2:1-20

Galatians 3:23-29

Hebrews 1:1-12

Hebrews 1:10-2:3

Hebrews 2:11-18

2) Things to do as a family:

          a) Go to church together.  

    b) Discuss the Sunday readings and sermon.

          c) Make a special effort to look at each other in a positive way.

          d) Sacrifice something you like to eat or do.

          e) Reach out to someone who could use your attention and help

          f) Gather together for prayer daily.

          g) Visit a shut-in together, and perhaps decorate their home for Christmas.

          h) When doing Christmas baking, take some to a neighbor.

          i) Perform random acts of kindness anonymously such as plugging a parking meter when you are leaving, or leaving a treat on a friend’s or teacher’s desk.

          j) In all places, times, and situations, bring the light of Christ.  Ask yourself what Jesus would do, and do it!

Let us approach this time of preparation in the hope that is time allows us to experience a new awareness of His presence.  We should strive to rid ourselves of the thoughts and passions that distract us as our hearts, minds, and voices sing “God is with us”.