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Fasting During Lent

Question: 

I have some questions regarding Lenten Fasting, this being my first attempt to honor the eastern Christian traditions. You see, I am originally from the RC tradition who currently attends an Eastern (Byzantine) Rite Catholic church. The fast guidelines are not so defined here. There is talk about the Great Fast, but to date I haven't received much practical, applicable guidelines. I really want to imitate the great faithful ones who honored Christ, Our Lord God and Saviour Jesus, and prepare for an Easter that is submitted to God's will for me and my family. I am so confused, but do not wish to approach this from a mechanical or legalistic manner. I am in my late 40s with OK health (take some prescriptions for blood anticoagulation, high BP and cholesterol, BTW), a father of five and I commute about 5 hours a day as I take university courses in a Medical School program at UW-Seattle (very demanding). One of my dear friends/mentors who is a retired biritual, married Catholic priest thought that the ancient fasting rules were too rigorous for most people. I responded that is was a private and personal matter that I sensed I should attempt. Since Cheesefare/Meatfare Sundays I have eliminated meat (all with backbones) and now all dairy, olive oil and alcohol from my diet. God bless you! Thanks.
1. Do we fast on Sundays? Do we abstain from those foods (e.g., meat, dairy, olive oil, etc.) on Sundays during the Great Pre-Paschal Fast?
2. What are the guidelines for what kind of meals (dry vs. wet) and frequency and at what specific time of the day we are recommended to eat/drink?
Answer:  

Dr. Alexander Roman alex@unicorne.org

The Eastern Catholic Churches vary with respect to the strictness of the rules governing fasting and the Great Fast in particular.

Saturdays and Sundays of the Great Fast are days when generally fish and oil (fish is regarded as a meat in the East, as you know) are allowed, but never other meats and meat by-products.

But in the Eastern Catholics Churches, these rules are not nearly as strictly kept as in the Orthodox Church.  One should consult with one's parish priest about the rules themselves.

One should also consult with one's confessor regarding the appropriateness of undertaking fasting given the state of one's overall health and the demands of one's state in life.  This is very important to do!

There are people who, for example, are diabetics.  Simply adhering to the rigours of a diabetic diet where one MUST eat something every four hours or so to keep one's strength up and metabolism running smoothly is already a great sacrifice.

Ultimately, obedience to one's Father Confessor AND to one's physician regarding food and drink is a great spiritual self-discipline that is most appropriate to observe during the Great Fast/Lent and throughout the year.

One may, of course, have protein substitutes on Wednesdays and Fridays and other days.  But it is much more important for you as a father and husband who is hard-working to ensure that your body has the nourishment it needs to fulfill your duties and responsibilities in your state of life.

This type of obedience and self-discipline is truly what the spirit of the Great Fast is all about.  So listen to your doctor and to your priest - and to your own conscience, knowing that you are responsible for the well-being of a large and wonderful family!

For additional information, please see the summary of articles on fasting on this web site.

 

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