Filipovka

The early start of the Christmas season is not new; it simply has a different set of priorities these days.

Today, Christians of the Eastern Churches celebrate the Feast of Saint Philip the Apostle, brother of fellow-Apostle Andrew "The First-Called." Tomorrow is the beginning of the "Saint Philip's Fast," known among the Slavic people by the above title. While a preparatory season for The Nativity can be dated roughly around the eighth century, the forty-day season of fasting known as the "Phillippian Fast" (Filipovka) made its actual appearance by the mid-12th century.

You can learn more about the customs associated with Christmas in the East at Byzantines.net.
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