An Eastern Lent: Fasting prepares the soul for what is to come

[Michie]

*You are in the Catholic forum*

A unique look at the living out of these 40 days.

Continued below.
An Eastern Lent: Fasting Prepares the Soul for What Is the Come

 

[MariaJLM]

Coming from an Eastern Christian background I actually get pretty thoroughly confused about Latin Lent. Simply abstaining from meat one day a week is hardly asceticism to somebody who is expected to essentially keep a Vegan diet for over a month.

 

[Michie]

I understand where you are coming from but it is not a contest. People from various traditions can benefit from how they practice Lent. It's not all or nothing for most Christians and they still practice and grow from Lent.

Coming from an Eastern Christian background I actually get pretty thoroughly confused about Latin Lent. Simply abstaining from meat one day a week is hardly asceticism to somebody who is expected to essentially keep a Vegan diet for over a month.

 

[MariaJLM]

I understand where you are coming from but it is not a contest. People from various traditions can benefit from how they practice Lent. It's not all or nothing for most Christians and they still practice and grow from Lent.

I'm not claiming it's a contest. It just seems...odd.

 

[Anhelyna]

Speaking as one who was Ukrainian Greek Catholic I would take issue with one thing that was said

<<For Eastern Catholics, however, meat and dairy are allowed for celebration of the Annunciation, when the Divine Liturgy is celebrated.>>

I was taught that when a Great Feast falls during the Fast - the strict fast is mitigated slightly - meat under the form of fish is permitted - but not red meat or fowl , and dairy is still not permitted.

 

[Happy Felix]

I believe that we can feel encouraged to choose the lent that serves us best. My lent is probably totally different from everybody else's. I find it hard but SO satisfying at the same time. And it helps so much in getting closer to Jesus and to what we can be.

 

[Michie]

But why Maria? There are many different traditions within Christianity. Some Protestants only celebrate Easter. I do not understand why it would seem so odd.

I'm not claiming it's a contest. It just seems...odd.

 

[MariaJLM]

But why Maria? There are many different traditions within Christianity. Some Protestants only celebrate Easter. I do not understand why it would seem so odd.

Well, to be fair I find most things about Protestantism odd.

 

[Michie]

Are you lifelong Eastern Orthodox?

Well, to be fair I find most things about Protestantism odd.

 

[MariaJLM]

Are you lifelong Eastern Orthodox?

No, but I was never a Protestant.

 

[Michie]

What religious background do you come from?

No, but I was never a Protestant.

 

[MariaJLM]

What religious background do you come from?

None. My family is non-religious.

 

[Michie]

Well there you go! Of course everything outside of what you know seems odd to you. A Blessed Lent to you.

None. My family is non-religious.

 

[ripple the car]

Happy Lent, guys! Bless you, all.