Metropolitan Tikhon, Primate of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA), has urged Orthodox Christians to resist consumerism during the Nativity Fast, encouraging them to focus instead on prayer, helping others, and strengthening relationships with family and friends.

The appeal was made in his message to the clergy, monastics, and faithful of the Orthodox Church in America marking the beginning of the Nativity Fast.

Metropolitan Tikhon noted that the pre-Christmas season in contemporary culture is increasingly associated with consumer spending, as people seek new possessions and ready-made entertainment in the hope of finding meaning and fulfillment. However, he stressed that material acquisitions cannot overcome inner emptiness, loneliness, or strained relationships.

"In our culture, the arrival of the darker season of the year is accompanied by a frantic pursuit of everything new and shiny. We seek meaning and depth in new gadgets and ready-made experiences, trying to fill an emptiness," the Metropolitan said.

Instead of joining this consumer race, he encouraged the faithful to embrace simple acts of kindness: helping neighbors, preparing meals for those in need, making handmade gifts, spending time with loved ones without phones or social media, and supporting those experiencing grief or loneliness.

"In the light of Christ, we can find truth and grace everywhere, especially in the small acts that bring us closer to one another and, consequently, to God," his message stated.

The Metropolitan also urged Christians not to regard the arrival of winter and its accompanying difficulties as reasons for despair. The approaching feast of the Nativity, he said, serves as a reminder that "darkness will not last forever, and the light is already near."

The Nativity Fast in the Orthodox Church in America lasts 40 days, from November 15 through December 24. The OCA primarily follows the Revised Julian calendar for fixed feasts, celebrating Christmas on December 25. However, some parishes and church communities continue to follow the traditional Julian calendar.

The Nativity Fast also begins on November 15 in Churches that follow the Revised Julian calendar for fixed feasts, including the Patriarchates of Constantinople, Alexandria, and Antioch, as well as the Orthodox Churches of Greece, Cyprus, Romania, Bulgaria, and Albania. The Orthodox Church of Ukraine also adopted the Revised Julian calendar for fixed feasts in 2023. These Churches celebrate Christmas on December 25.

The Russian, Serbian, Georgian, and Jerusalem Orthodox Churches retain the Julian calendar for fixed feasts. Accordingly, their Nativity Fast begins on November 28 according to the civil calendar, while Christmas is celebrated on January 7.