Philipovka

Today is the Feast of Saint Philip the Apostle in the Eastern (Greek) Calendar. On this day, the Eastern Church begins the forth-day "Philip's Fast" in preparation for Christmas and Theophany. (Philip is remembered on May 3, along with fellow-apostle James, in the Roman Calendar.) Some Eastern Christians -- be they Catholic or Orthodox -- will observe simple abstinance (from meat) for the entire period, while others will engage in strict abstinance (meat and dairy products, the latter traditionally including eggs). Observers in the West generally only abstain on Wednesdays and Fridays, or at least on Fridays. The day before the Nativity is a day of fasting, as the table is prepared for the Holy Supper. More on that later...