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Shalom,

Is it OK if someone from Latin Rite like me adopt the Eastern Rite practices of fasting? Is it fulfill my obligation on fasting?

Thanx...

Dear Simeon,
Thank you for asking that question for me, and probably many other Latin Rite Catholics that are finding clearer support for fasting this Lent, through our Eastern counterparts. -Blessings to you,
CatherineC

You're welcome, Catherine.

There is a Latin Rite tradition of fasting. Might be the time to inform yourself of your own traditions. They exist, so happy searching.

ICXC
NIKA

The Eastern and Latin Rites have two different philosophies (Theologies) regarding fasting. In the Latin Rite, it is the giving up of something to demonstrate their love for God.

In the Eastern Rite the "Lenten Obligation," if you will, is a trinitarian Theology, meaning that there are three parts with regards to Lent:

- Fasting: a strict traditional fast is devoid of all meat, fish, dairy, and oils, basically a vegan diet. Though some do allow various types of fish, and some do not have the restrictions on oils. The traditional fast has been handed down from the monasteries. Food is taken 2 or 3 times per day, and then as little as necessary; nothing between meals.

- Prayer: a major increase in daily prayer, scriptural study, and meditation.

- Alms giving - an increase (you're already do this, right?) in charitable giving of time, talents, as well as money.

All three must be present in Eastern practice. BTW, if you truly want to experience the Eastern lifestyle this occurs four times during the year:

- Great and Holy Fast (what you call Lent)
- Fast of Sts. Peter & Paul (shortly after Pentecost)
- Marian Fast (before the Dormition)
- Nativity Fast (what you refer to as Advent)

Dear all,

There're three traditional Lenten practices of penance in Latin Rite: Fasting, Prayer, & Charity/Almsgiving. I think that's similar with Three Lenten Obligations of the Eastern Rite, although the practices might be different.
I've read somewhere that members of the Rite are bound to the Rite regulations. So, I guess it means that as a Latin, I should fast like one.

From a purely Roman perspective, I'd say that as long as you meet the obligations of your respective Church, you're free to fast and abstain to any degree that you feel will envelop you most fully in the Lenten spirit. Remember that the "rules" in the Roman Church (such as those printed by the USCCB) are the bare minimum; a more strenuous fast is certainly encouraged.

God bless,

Chris

Fasting, Prayer and Almsgiving are both part of the Lenten obligation for the East and West.
The main difference that I see, is that the fasting, during the Great Fast in the east is much more stringent than in the west.
As a Latin I have omitted any form of sweets, chocolate, cake, cookies, etc for the Lenten fast. (Every time I encounter a choccy craving, I pray... usually the Jesus Prayer)
I also observe the no meat on Wednesday's and Friday's during Lent. ( A Eastern practice not only durning lent, but throught the entire liturgical calendar)


Brad

There were more fast days in the west pre Vatican II. Monasteries kept the fast on Wednesdays in the west as well as on Fridays. I know that books have been written in recent times on fasting for Latins as fasting has been forgotten.

ICXC
NIKA

Yes, you are right, and I understand that. I was trying to explain the difference between fasting in the East and West, and it seems that I cut off part of my post (probably in editing). The first paragraph should have read:


The Eastern and Latin Rites have two different philosophies (Theologies) regarding fasting. In the Latin Rite, it is the giving up of something to demonstrate their love for God. The Eastern fast is done for the purpose of spiritual enrichment and growth.

While the West certainly does fast for spiritual growth, it is the primary reason for fasting in the East. The concept of "giving up something" isn't part of the Eastern Theology.

As was taught in my Theology class, when we fast we return to the state Adam and Eve experienced in Paradise, where nothing was killed for their sustenance. We attempt through fasting, to put ourselves back into that state, as best as we can.

Sometimes I wonder about the "relaxations" in the Latin Rite. Fasting practice used to be stricter in the olden days.

Lots of things were stricter then. My wife is bothered by the "governmentalization" of the Holy Days (moving them to Sundays), she figures it won't be long until Christmas is moved to the 3rd Sunday in December.

But, to be honest, things are not what they once were in the Byzantine church either. Which is one reason why the Liturgical reform is happening.

Our priest has an Orthodox background, and has been bringing some of his background into our church. We are one of only a few I know of that keeps the fasts of Peter & Paul, and the Marian fast. We hold Vesper services on Saturday, and Matins services on Sundays, along with the Divine Liturgy.

Some churches still refuse Communion to infants; many Ukranian churches still do a spoken DL; and I don't know a single church that celebrates the Conception of St. Anne (all call it the Immaculate Conception).

So don't get too upset, the pendulum swings both ways, but takes a long time to do so.

Glory to Jesus Christ!

I dont agree with the strictness point. What has changed is that the observance of such as Lent and fasting is a personal responsibility. As for giving up things for Lent. We have been encouraged for so long to do something for Lent that the generation who gave up for Lent are soon to retire.

Another thing while I am on the second coffee of the morning is that only 'certain' countries moved 'certain' feasts to the Sunday, so that more people could celebrate them in Church with the solemnity they require. Moving feasts around is not new among the RCs. Thankfully it's not my problem .

In Australia the feast (for the RCs) of St Mark had to be moved as ANZAC Day falls on the day of the feast and it just was not a getting look in and the chap was a Gospel writer and Apostle. Anzac day commemorates the Australia and New Zealand Army Corp that went to WW I. It is THE day to commemorate the fallen in all wars (in addition to Nov 11). Lots of reunions of former service members and dawn services as well marching in the streets. Much is made of our defeat by the Turks at Gallipoli which is a major shrine in Turkey visited by Australians and New Zealanders in droves.

ICXC
NIKA

I'm suprised; I thought that such things were the standard rather than the exception. Admittedly, I've only ever been to one BC Church, so I guess I don't have a very broad frame of reference. The fact that my home parish (Sts. Cyril and Methodius) adheres to all of the traditions mentioned above makes me all the more proud of the only little BC church in North Carolina!

Glory forever!

Chris

The problem, for most people, is that as soon as something is no longer required it is no longer done.

The best example in the RC church is the elimination of abstinence on Friday's outside of Lent. The restriction was lifted provided something else was substituted. Most people only saw part one, and ignored part two.

Even for many who have retained the meatless Friday's during Lent, it has simply meant "lobster fest Friday's", where people gorge themselves with their favorite fish instead of meat, then pat themselves on the back for fasting.