How Do You Fast?

[Epiphany]

To Life Immortal

Hallo. This year will be my first Pascha fast. In another forum, I was discussing kosher foods and vegetarianism. I am currently a fish-dairy-poultry veggie. I don't eat red meat. I'm working on becoming a lacto veggie.

My question is can someone tell me what is allowed during Pascha? I know that meatfare is last week of meat and cheesefare is last week of dairy food. I don't eat that much meat, but I do eat dairy foods like cheese and yoghurt. I'm also moving to an Antiochian Church and I wonder are the fasting rules the same of the Greek Church.

If anyone has any good links for info, it will be greatly appreciated. My church education isn't as strong as I would wish and I need to learn more. Thanks in advance.

Peace and Long Life
~*~ Epiphany ~*~

 

[Oblio]

Fasting and Fast Free Seasons of the Church

 

[Matrona]

How do I fast? With great difficulty!

The most important thing to remember is that fasting without prayer is demonic (or something to that effect, I forget who said it). Demons neither eat nor pray.

 

[ChoirDir]

There are also a number of sites which feature Lenten recipes on the net. I will try to locate some and post here.

 

[Reader Nilus]

Just remember as we begin Lent that the sermon read on Pascha states all are invited to the feast those who fasted and those who did not fast. The fast is from self-love and pampering more than about food, if it is about food only then the whole point is lost. What is eating say crab meat which costs a fortune have to do with fasting vs say a dollar hamburger from Dairy Queen? Whatever do not make the fast some sort of legalism which is a real temptation.
Jeff the Finn

 

[Oblio]

Just remember as we begin Lent that the sermon read on Pascha states all are invited to the feast those who fasted and those who did not fast. The fast is from self-love and pampering more than about food, if it is about food only then the whole point is lost. What is eating say crab meat which costs a fortune have to do with fasting vs say a dollar hamburger from Dairy Queen? Whatever do not make the fast some sort of legalism which is a real temptation.
Jeff the Finn

St. John Chrysostom on Fasting


Do you fast? Give me proof of it by your works.
If you see a poor man, take pity on him.
If you see a friend being honored, do not envy him.
Do not let only your mouth fast, but also the eye and the ear and the feet and the hands and all the members of our bodies.
Let the hands fast, by being free of avarice.
Let the feet fast, by ceasing to run after sin.
Let the eyes fast, by disciplining them not to glare at that which is sinful.
Let the ear fast, by not listening to evil talk and gossip.
Let the mouth fast from foul words and unjust criticism.
For what good is it if we abstain from birds and fishes, but bite and devour our brothers?
May HE who came to the world to save sinners strengthen us to complete the fast with humility, have mercy on us and save us