Jan. 4, 2008 - Fasting

Posted by genevieve1642

Hi. I just saw your post. We became Orthodox in 1992, and we have been fasting according to the church calender ever since. We have times throughout the year like Lent in which we set aside meat. We also fast on Wed. and Fri. from meat. The Orthodox church has always had periods of feasts and fasting. But we are not abstaining from meats alone, but also trying to abstain from sins. Some people follow a more strict fast from dairy, which is not usually for folks with kids, due to the fact the kids need the protein and calcium from milk. So, it does vary some on the "level of observance". Fasting for Lent is more strict, and we have observed no meat, or dairy in the past. During the time before Christmas, fish is allowed on weekends, and shellfish is always allowed any day. So, we do the best we can to follow the rules the Church has for us. I use more soy products during the fasts, and have learned new recipes over the years. But even more important than abstaining from food is to be more prayerful. As the years go by, the recipes are easier, but the complete task of leaving sins behind is the real fight. I try to ask God for more patience and help. Singing more hymns at home helps with the little ones, so does the allowance for them to have milk products. I hope this helps, if you would like more info, just let me know. I have heard that, If a man can't control what goes into his mouth, how can he control what comes out of it? But I also have heard a story of a man who sat on the steps of a church eating meat during lent, and the priest and some other people came by and said "How dare you eat meat in front of the steps of the church during Lent?" the man said, "Look at you, you all are eating each other's flesh by your gossip and sins against each other, which is worse." I have heard of other churches fasting completely from food for a whole day, but we do not do that except for on Holy Friday, where we only eat water or small amounts of bread as necessary (adult observance). Children under 7 do not have to fast at all, and children over 7 are permitted to eat food on Holy Friday, but abstain a few hours before receiving Holy communion. I wish you a blessed, happy & Healthy New year.

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Jan. 5, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by genamayo

Hi, I fasted once in college. I got the idea and plan from Robert Foster's book "Celebration of Discipline." I think what I did was start at dinner time one evening and then go to the next dinner time (or breakfast time) after that. Lately, I've been continually pregnant or nursing and haven't been able to fast from food, so I've been thinking of fasting from other things. Nice to meet you! --Gena

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Jan. 5, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by southmsmomof4

The church I attend also believes in fasting and prayer. There are many scriptures to back this also. We do personal fasts and also at times fast as a church body. When the pastor calls a fast he will encourage us to abstain from food from sun up to sun down. Drinking plenty of water/fluids and little or no caffeine. There are those who fast from any solid foods period during a fast. The reasons I have fasted in past have varied at times. The main reason is to bring my flesh under subjection and draw closer to God. During a fast it is also a time for me to be in deeper prayer and communion with God. I have children that desire a closer walk with the Lord and "IF" they want to fast I allow them to do so. I do not force this on them because I believe that it is a choice that they need to make. Be blessed. Stacy

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