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These fasting guidelines have been taken from
all the Holy Canons and Interpretations found in The Rudder (Pedalion),
which contains the Sacred and Divine Canons of the One Holy Catholic and
Apostolic Church - The Orthodox Christian Church.
On Sundays, Mondays,
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays
Abstinence of: Meat, Meat Products, and Dairy
Products.
No Abstinence of: Fish, Shellfish, Vegetables & Vegetable
Products, and Fruit.
On Wednesdays and
Fridays
Abstinence of: Meat, Meat Products, Dairy
Products, Fish, Olive Oil and Wine.
No Abstinence of: Shellfish, Vegetables & Vegetable Products,
and Fruit.
On Wednesdays and Fridays during the Advent
Fast, Orthodox Christians regulate both the amount of food they consume and
the number of times per day they eat. In other words, no food should
be eaten between meals, and at meal time, only a small portion of food
should be eaten.
Note: From December 13th
through the 24th inclusive,
The Advent Fast becomes more strict.
During these final days of the Advent Fast,
olive oil & wine are permitted only on Saturdays and Sundays. Fish is
not permitted on any day during this period. Also, December 24th is a
very strict fast day.
Clarification:
Dairy Products: butter, eggs, milk, cheese,
etc.
Shellfish: oysters, shrimp, scallops, clams, lobster, etc.
Fish: tuna, trout, dolphin, grouper, etc.
The purpose of this outline is to educate us
about fasting and abstinence during Advent. Also, the above guidelines
are strict and according to the "letter of the law", representing the height
of fasting to which we must aspire. It is important for you and your
family to participate fully in the "spirit of the law", controlling the
desires of the flesh, fasting to the best of your ability, working this all
out within your family and in consultation with your spiritual father.
Remember, in addition to fasting, November 15th - December 24th is a time
during which we should prepare ourselves to receive the Incarnate God and
Savior Jesus Christ, and avail ourselves to increased prayer, scripture
reading
(and lives of saints), and almsgiving. |