The Ruthenian Metropolia has identified this period as a penitential season.

By tradition it is a period of strict abstinence with the usual mitigations. In particular, Christmas Eve, December 24, is by tradition a day of strict abstinence.

This year, however, because Christmas Eve, December 24, falls on a Sunday, according to our Metropolitan Typicon, the traditional strict abstinence for that day instead is transferred to Friday, December 22.

Common practice in recent years has been to adopt at the very minimum some increased level of abstinence beyond that of non-penitential seasons.

The observance of this fast is voluntary.