PARAMONE

A Greek term meaning watch, vigil, especially on the eve of a festival. Its Arabic equivalent, Paramun, is a term generally used for the vigils of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ and of the Epiphany. It is a fast requiring abstention from eating fish, meat, eggs, milk, butter, and cheese. If the day before the feast happens to be Saturday or Sunday, then the paramone begins on Friday because it is not permitted to fast on Saturday or Sunday.