www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology Farewell to meat?

I've been attending a Byzantine (Ruthenian) Catholic parish for about a month now, and I'm really excited about the idea of Great Lent as an intense period of repentence, reparation, and preparation for Pascha. In addition to increased prayer and, as today's Gospel reminds us, a greater effort to find Christ in every individual (and treat them accordingly), I'd like to implement some of the traditions of fasting and abstinence. I initially wanted to observe the strict fast, but after doing a search on this forum regarding fasting, I realized that's probably not a good idea. I haven't told the priest of my intention to fast, and I've never atttempted to fast before.

I think I may try to "ease into" fasting by simply abstaining from all meat during Great Lent. Which brings me to the title of this topic: today is called 'Meatfare Sunday'. Does this mean that, from tomorrow (Monday Feb. 20) onward, we say 'farewell to meat' until Pascha? I also realize that I've only addressed abstinence thus far, and not fasting. Does anyone have any advice regarding fasting or other types of abstinence for a beginner? I'm a little concerned about intense fasting because I'm 6 feet tall and weigh 125 pounds, and I may dry up and blow away if I lose any weight. Regardless, I'd like to do my best to prepare physically, mentally, and physically for this holiest of holidays. Thanks for the help!

God bless,

Chris

Forgot to add:

I know this is a topic best discussed with one's spiritual director, so I plan to meet with the priest later on this week to discuss fasting and abstinence. If tomorrow's the first day of abstinence from meat, however, I'd like to go ahead and get started 'on time'. Many thanks.

The Church holds up the full fast but people do of it what suits them and this is what is recommended for you and all of us. There are some who do the whole thing and there are those who choose to do what they can. It is not meant to be a burden so don't over do it. There are a number of fasting periods in the course of the year so take it easy and enjoy.

The fasting usually comes before the feast and when the feast is being celebrated there is an expectation that one will truly celebrate those occasions. Some of these feasts have festal foods which are consumed or special dishes prepared. Some occcasions as you will discover are celebrated of more than one day and the celebration overflows from the church into the whole of your life including your dining table.

I used to get the St Herman of Alaska Calendar and it has a day by day guide in the margin (also notes for the readings etc) as to those days in the Great Lent when there are 'days off' for certain foods etc. They also have a one page write up that the rules for fasting are which is very helpful.

The calendar should be available from the St Herman of Alaska Brotherhood, PO Box 70, Platina, California 96076.

We will all be slim trim by Holy Easter and ravenous no doubt. I for one could benefit from the loss of a few Kilos (ok a lot).

So next week Cheese Fare and then we are off.

ICXC
NIKA

Pavel,

One more week of meat for the Orthodox. I'm thinking of a good steak tonight.

In IC XC,
Father Anthony+

Nothing like a nice glass of red to go with steak - and don't forget the sauce

Followed by a snifter of cognac.

The erudite among us will realize that "carnival" is an anglicization of "carne vale", which means "farewell to meat". The even more erudite may perhaps be aware of the honest significance of the extra week of abstinence from meat before Great Lent.

Incognitus

Actually, all kidding aside, I pray that all make their preparations and begin to look forward to the time of Lenten renewal, whether it be in a week or two weeks. I actually am awaiting it this year.

In IC XC,
Father Anthony+

First congratulations on wanting to follow the fast.

FYI, I believe you can find the Orthodox fasting rules here:
http://www.oca.org/OCFasting.asp?SID=2
Father Anthony is this correct?

It is very rewarding to follow the fast. It really makes Pascha so worth it!

For Pascha you might want to make your basket:
http://www.carpatho-rusyn.org/easter.htm
http://www.iarelative.com/easter/

Ray,

The first link is the correct norm of the fast. Metropolitan nicholas in your other link has been struggling for years to have his metropolis fast more within the norms of the rest of the Orthodox Church.

In IC XC,
Father Anthony+

Ray,

Thanks for the link. Hopefully I can work out an ideal fasting and abstinence regimen once I talk to the priest this week.

Don't forget about prayer. A daily prayer of "Jesus, I love you" when you go to bed at night can be the most important part of your fast.

Thanks for the important reminder, John. Incidentally, do you or anyone else have links to an evening prayer of sorts? I found a 'morning offering' that I say each day when I wake up along with some 'unscripted' prayer, but I've been unable to find an evening prayer thus far.

Have a good look through these and see if there is anything there you are looking for.

http://www.catholic-forum.com/members/popestleo/dailyprayer.html

http://www.angelfire.com/pa3/OldWorldBasic/Hours.htm

ICXC
NIKA

I seem to have inherited the same physique as the thread-starter. I take the approach that if the full fast becomes too much, at least focus on one element, Like preparing more intensely for communion, or praying more. I have a bonus start though..I grew up vegan/vegetarian..that helps!

NW