www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology Great Fast Questions

Hello, I have a few questions with regards to upcoming Great Fast. I'm a convert, and for the past 5 years I have struggled to do the strict fasting of the season. It's almost impossible for me, especially because I'm at school all day. I usually double dose my prayers to compensate....is this appropriate?

What can I do, that is within my feeble ability, to meet the spiritual needs of the upcoming season? I'd like some advice, any would be appreciated.

I also have a question. Someone told me that the Fast can be kept on weekdays and mitigated on Saturday and Sunday.

True or False?

Thanks

I would advise you to consult your pastor as every Greek Catholic Church has modified what is absolutely required vs what is encouraged. As with any exercise it is best to start small and increase. the Ruthenian Metropolia only requires abstinence from meat on Wed and Fri of the Great Fast and strict abstinence from meat and dairy on Pure Monday and Good Friday. One could increase from here.

Hm, I should look into what my pastor says. Though that info for the Ruthenian Church helped, since that's the jurisdiction my area falls under. Thanks.

As Blessed Augustine wrote, "Dilige et quod vis fac!" (Love and do what you wish!)

And the hardest part is the first word!

To All:

Here is a good article on the Great Fast. It comes from a Russian Orthodox Priest, who presupposes the stricter fast of Great Lent. This article was very moving to me. The article may take some time to read as it is very long. Here it is:

http://frsergei.wordpress.com/2013/12/27/fasting-for-non-monastics/

I like his approach, thoroughness, and tact. I hope all of you will profit from it. God bless us all during this Season of Grace!

Your unworthy brother in Christ:
Sean Forristal

P.S. It is always good to talk to your local pastor about your Lenten practices as he will bless you for them; and who of us could not use more blessings.:)

We had a letter from His Grace, Bishop Curt of Passaic. It was read to us on Cheesefare Sunday. I was very encouraged by it because it was not the usual platitudes about Lent, but rather a very thoughtfully and tactfully worded challenge to the parishioners in his eparchy to do the full-boogy fast.

I think I'm gonna really like this bishop!!!!

This is great news to hear. It was Ruthenians that first introduced me to the Eastern Catholic Churches; thus, I have a great love for them and a very good model of holiness in them. Long live your bishop!!!

Your unworthy brother in Christ:
Sean Forristal

EasternRomioi3, there is a saying:

Pray as you can, not as you can't.
Fast and abstain as you can, not as you can't.

I have various ailments now that I'm on the good side of 60 that make it impossible for me to keep the Lenten and other fasts in all their rigor as was my custom.

Discuss the issue with your spiritual father.

His Holiness, Melkite Patriarch Gregorios III similarly challenged us to re-acquire the art of fasting along more traditional lines.