www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology Mandatory Fasting on Parish

Can a parish priest impose a mandatory fast from Ascension Thursday through August 31 on an entire parish?

According to the Byzantine tradition, Ascension itself is fast-free, as is Pentecost and the week following Pentecost (including the Wednesday and Friday following Pentecost).

The Apostles Fast and the Dormition Fast do fall in the summer, the Apostles Fast beginning the week after All Saints (First Sunday after Pentecost) until the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, June 29/July 12 and the Dormition Fast beginning August 1/13 until August 14/27. Also the Beheading of St. John the Baptist (August 29/Sept 11) is also a strict fast day.

I don't believe a parish priest can impose a fast on a parish, especially when it goes against the established fasting traditions of the Church. A bishop on his eparchy may be a different thing.

In what context did this occur or is this hypothetical?

Larry:

The pastor gave the following explanation, "this plan is meant to defeat the devil and his minions is very necessary for the salvation of all the souls who have been entrusted to my pastoral care."

Scott

Scott,

Noble goals to be sure but your priest cannot simply impose a fast on his parish.

Fr. Deacon Lance

Scott,

From the CCEO:

Canon 880 -�1. Only the supreme authority of the Church can establish, transfer or supress feast days and days of penance which are common to all of the Eastern Churches, with due regard for �3.

�2. The authority of a Church sui iuris which is competent to establish particular law can constitute, transfer or supress feast days and days of penance for that Church sui iuris, however having sought the opinions of the other Churches sui iuris and with due regard for Canon 40, �1.

The Canons are clear. Only the Council of Hierarchs can constitute mandatory fasts for our Metropolia.

Fr. Deacon Lance