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Dec 29th, 2019
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Joined: Nov 2001
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At least the Orthodox bishops can talk a good game. I haven't heard a Ruthenian bishop yet who thought even that was worth the effort. After all, if fasting were worthwhile, wouldn't the Latins do it?
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Joined: Nov 2001
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Fasting is important at St Cyril & Methodius Semninary; all during the Great Fast no meat, dairy products or eggs are served.
At the beginning of the Great Fast the fasting regulations are posted in the Byzantine Catholic World and are supposed to be announced by each pastor. Letters go out to each cleric stating the regulations.
There is no neglect of fasting notifications; when you see Catholics eating meat on Fridays we should assume they are doing other sacrifices and not become their Judge.
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Joined: Nov 2001
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I never heard anyone speaking from the ambo once explain the fullness of the fast, or encourage anyone to try to live up to that ideal. And, with few exceptions, I never saw the leaders of the Church actually setting an example. For instance, once during Filipovka, the bishop and a number of priests from the Eparchy visited the parish and were served dinner in the parish hall--chicken. And, with the exception of the rector of the seminary, they all ate it. And all the people emulated them. So, how do you get the people to practice asceticism when you won't do it yourself? ***** I HAVE heard from the pulpit about the fast. But I also acknowledge that we have much more to teach. Twice I was at post-funeral lunches and they actually served meat (without alternatives). I spoke to the caterer afterwards (no, I didn't eat the meat). She said that's what the people wanted. I said that as the caterer you should keep fastdays in mind and remind the customer and offer alternatives. Back to the subject of this thread, the fast specified is for EVERYONE WHO RECEIVES THE EUCHARIST. This means that the age limitations have been removed and applies from infants to the eldest. Dispensations can be granted by the priest. I stand subject to correction but I think this may be stricter than the Orthodox. Here at St. George fish is always served, fast or not. If it is not during a fast then usually some form of meat is offered also.
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Joined: Feb 2010
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For instance, once during Filipovka, the bishop and a number of priests from the Eparchy visited the parish and were served dinner in the parish hall--chicken. And, with the exception of the rector of the seminary, they all ate it. And all the people emulated them. So, how do you get the people to practice asceticism when you won't do it yourself? I grew up in the 50s with a mother who taught us to observe all of the fast days marked on the church calendar (and also to fast from midnight when you were going to receive Holy Communion). My mother told me that a priest had told her that if you were a guest in someone's home and they served meat on Friday, that you were permitted to eat it. It wasn't a sin to eat the meat. It would be worse to not accept someone's kind hospitality and waste the food they had prepared for you. I think you're being kind of hard on the priests who ate the chicken they were served in the church hall.
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Joined: Nov 2001
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1. I would agree, if I was guest in the home of someone who did not know our Tradition. But this was a Church function. The people who made the arrangements all knew it was a fast day. So did the people who approved the menu and cooked the food. So did the people who ate the food. It didn't bother them. To me, it was like visiting a synagogue and being offered a ham sandwich.
2. It's the job of the bishops and the presbyters to teach the faithful. Obviously, someone is not doing his job here.
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