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I am curious of the contemporary state of the monastic dietary observance. Are Orthodox and Eastern Catholic monasteries generally vegetarian (fasts aside)? I know historically it would seem that there is some limitation on the consumption of animal/animal products, but I am curious of the modern practice?

Thanks

Depends on the monastery, and even on the monk. One thing they're certainly not is vegetarian for the same reasons modern worldly-people are. That being said, some monks probably don't eat meat, and there are plenty of examples in the Synaxarion of vegan monks, or even monks who eat little at all.

The introduction to Metropolitan Kallistos Ware and Mother Mary's triodion talks about Lenten practices and reasons - they were written by Metropolitan Kallistos who has abundant experience in eastern monasteries. Another excellent discussion of the reasons and rationale is in the book "The Great Lent". Though that book is about lay Lenten life, I believe the rationale is basically the same for the monk.

The only Greek Catholic monastery I've been to served copious amounts of chicken and cheese. I've been to about a half a dozen Orthodox monasteries, where they served the pilgrims cheese and seafood non-fast days. This includes canned tuna (in the US), shrimp as well as Aegean-caught squid.

Mmmmm squid.......

As I understand, one probably will not find Red Meats, Chicken, etc. at a Orthodox monastery. One will definately find Wine, oil, and fish when it is permitted (non-fasting days).

However, remember that non-vertebrate are allowed during most fasting times (calamari, shrimp and other).

It is correct that some monastics are complete vegetarians (and some probably vegan).

Ironicially, if one follows the strictest rules of fasting, we are even more vegan than vegans sometimes during the fast. No oil (no frying). Dry eating is super vegan, lol.