Penza, 28 November 2011. PenzaNews. Orthodox Christians of the Penza region have begun one of four multi-days — Christmas, or Filipp’s fast — on Monday, November 28. It will last until the great holiday of Christmas, celebrated on January, 7. This fast is called Fillip’s because it begins the day after the memorial day of St. Philip.

Advent is almost equal to the duration of Lent, but less severe. In the days of this fast, except on Wednesdays and Fridays, the laity can eat fish, but they should abstain from meat, milk and eggs.

The goal of every post is to exercise in abstinence, purification of the soul from the passions and sinful thoughts, subordination of the body and soul to the spirit. So fast is a renunciation not only of a certain food, but also from bad habits and amusements, this is the time of reflection and assiduous prayers.

November, 27, bishop of Penza and Kuznetsk Veniamin took the Divine Liturgy at the Ascension Cathedral of Kuznetsk, he congratulated the parishioners on starting fast and once again reminded that the fast is time to gain support and grace of God.