The
term in the Russian Church for the day before the feast
of the Nativity of the Lord as well as before the feast
of the Theophany is sochelnik
or sochevnik. This name
comes from the Church Slavonic word,
sochevo, which means wheat or barley
grains, lentils or peas soaked in water. This is the
kind of food ordained by the Church rubrics to be
consumed on the sochelnik.
Orthodox Christians have the pious tradition of
not taking any food until the first star appears, which
reminds us of the appearance of the star in the East
over Bethlehem (Mt. 2:2), bringing the good tidings of
the birth of Jesus Christ. This is not something that
is prescribed in the Church rubrics. Each person should
take on the measure of asceticism suitable to his or
her own strength.
On the morning of Christmas Eve are read the Royal Hours,
and the Liturgy of St. Basil the Great is celebrated. If
Christmas Eve falls on a Saturday or a Sunday, the the
Royal Hours are served on the preceding Friday, and the
Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom is celebrated, while the
Liturgy of St. Basil the Great is served on the day of the
Nativity.
6 января 2015 г.