Pylypivka (Nov. 28 - Jan. 6) is the name for the 40-day lenten cycle before the feast of the Nativity (Jan. 7) and it comes from the name of St. Pylyp, that is - St. Philip, whom we commemorate on Nov. 27, the day before the fast begins (Nov. 28). This season is also known as Advent in the Latin community, which is to say in the rest of the Christian world, who have split further from the latin-speaking Roman Catholic Church.

While not marked by any specific hymns, like in the Great Lent, the Nativity theme of the fast is first heard during the during the matins (утрення) of the feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple (Dec. 4). It is during the 9 irmosy (ірмоси) that we hear “Christ is born, glorify Him!”

As with all lenten seasons, this period is an opportunity to prepare oneself physically by fasting and almsgiving, and spiritually through increased prayer and Holy Confession so that we may approach the birth of the One True God into flesh with open and sober hearts.

Structure of the Season

The season is made up of several preparatory days which include those of:

• the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple (Dec. 4)

• St. Andrew the First-Called (Dec. 13)

• St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (Dec. 19)

• Sunday of the Holy Forefathers (two weeks before)

• Sunday of the Holy Fathers (one week before)

Similar to Great Lent, there is a final, more intense preparatory period like the “Holy Week” which starts Jan. 2nd, the Forefeast of the Nativity.

Sources:

• https://orthodoxwiki.org/Nativity#Nativity_fast

• https://ukrarcheparchy.us/archeparchy-news/pylypivka-advent-pastoral-of-the-ukrainian-catholic-hierarchy-of-the-u-s-a-3

• http://ww1.antiochian.org/nativity

• http://ww1.antiochian.org/nativity/pre-feast

• http://ww1.antiochian.org/discover/feasts

• http://ww1.antiochian.org/NativityFast