Traditional Byzantine Lenten Fast

[Tridenteen]

JMJ
I am so glad someone posted about this. I was very curious about the fasting. We have a Tridentine Rite calender for the year, and it gives a specifically colored fish every day of Lent, telling you what the fast is (ex Sun. ) How do the Byzantine Rite people keep it straight!? Are you allowed to drink water on the Good Friday? I know we aren't allowed to from 12 to 3...and on the other days, is there any water restrictions?

[HisChild]

I have a Eastern Calendar which has color coded symbols that explain what's allowed or not allowed for that given day. Actually... The way it's been explained to me is that it's not as legalistic as being 'allowed' or 'not allowed'. They are guidelines that aren't binding under pain of sin. There are people who do not fast as rigorously due to health or work. Others do. It sure is a way to enter more deeply into the mysteries of our Lord!

The way water was explained to me was that it was okay to drink it but not to overindulgence because we can become full on water just as much as any food.

Edit: The Greek Orthodox Church has a really good calendar that also helps: http://www.goarch.org/en/chapel/calendar.asp

Edited February 8, 2010 by HisChild

[Tridenteen]

[quote name='HisChild' date='07 February 2010 - 08:25 PM' timestamp='1265592324' post='2052927']
I have a Eastern Calendar which has color coded symbols that explain what's allowed or not allowed for that given day. Actually... The way it's been explained to me is that it's not as legalistic as being 'allowed' or 'not allowed'. They are guidelines that aren't binding under pain of sin. There are people who do not fast as rigorously due to health or work. Others do. It sure is a way to enter more deeply into the mysteries of our Lord!

The way water was explained to me was that it was okay to drink it but not to overindulgence because we can become full on water just as much as any food.

Edit: The Greek Orthodox Church has a really good calendar that also helps: [url="http://www.goarch.org/en/chapel/calendar.asp"]http://www.goarch.or...el/calendar.asp[/url]
[/quote]


JMJ
I suspected that about water. One of my brothers wondered about that, since you could probably get "busted" for drinking water to fill up on a fast day! thanks!

[brightsadness]

[quote name='laetitia crucis' date='06 February 2010 - 08:02 AM' timestamp='1265468561' post='2051937']
This is just amazing... [img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/think_chin.gif[/img]

So..is this fast restricted only to those in the Byzantine Churches?
[/quote]


I was taught that the Fast is not of obligation to those who are not under the discipline (by virtue of being a member) of the Eastern Church but that it is good for all.

I grew up with it and it truely makes one aware of sacred time and space. One experiences the ordering and sharing of one's life to SomeOne and Something Greater than what I feel like. Vegan Burritos Rule.[img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/lol_roll.gif[/img]

[laetitia crucis]

[quote name='brightsadness' date='08 February 2010 - 06:37 PM' timestamp='1265668621' post='2053662']
I was taught that the Fast is not of obligation to those who are not under the discipline (by virtue of being a member) of the Eastern Church but that it is good for all.

I grew up with it and it truely makes one aware of sacred time and space. One experiences the ordering and sharing of one's life to SomeOne and Something Greater than what I feel like. Vegan Burritos Rule.[img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/lol_roll.gif[/img]
[/quote]


Thank you for your insight, brightsadness! Very beautiful, indeed.

I've been praying about the possibility of undertaking this Fast. Aaand I'm still praying about it.

I wish I had remembered to bring this up during spiritual direction a few days ago. Might have to e-mail.

[HisChild]

[quote name='brightsadness' date='08 February 2010 - 03:37 PM' timestamp='1265668621' post='2053662']
I was taught that the Fast is not of obligation to those who are not under the discipline (by virtue of being a member) of the Eastern Church but that it is good for all.

I grew up with it and it truely makes one aware of sacred time and space. One experiences the ordering and sharing of one's life to SomeOne and Something Greater than what I feel like. Vegan Burritos Rule.[img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/lol_roll.gif[/img]
[/quote]


Yeah, I like how the emphasis isn't 'what are you giving up for Lent?' but this conquering of the self will to free one's self to more fully enter the Mysteries of Christ during this time of, well, Bright Sadness.

[brightsadness]

Found this old interview on Youtube. I think this is the best thread to post it on although thre are other fasting discussions happening elsewhere.

[url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQmjvUxDSq4"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQmjvUxDSq4[/url]

[Laudate_Dominum]

[quote name='Ziggamafu' date='04 February 2010 - 02:23 PM' timestamp='1265311408' post='2051231']
Wow. If you had to take on honest guess based on personal experience, what percentage of Eastern Christians do you think actually stick to the rules? Also, are the rules interpreted as "grave obligations" in some way similar to the Latin tradition?
[/quote]
I couldn't possibly speculate about Eastern Christians in general, but I had two Byzantine roommates in college (at different times) and I remember both of them fasting that way. Outside of lent there would be beer, wine, olive oil, meat, etc. in the kitchen but during lent it would be a crust of bread and some leafy greens for the most part (swiss chard, spinach, kale, parsley- things like that).

I remember asking one of these roommates about it and his response made light of it, probably out of humility. He said that he finds the fast to be cleansing and invigorating and thinks that all people could benefit from such a yearly fast.