http://blog.ancient-future.net/2006/12/04/the-waiting-is-over-advent-is-here/ The Ancient and Future Catholic Blog Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:49:25 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=MU hourly 1 http://blog.ancient-future.net/2006/12/04/the-waiting-is-over-advent-is-here/#comment-630 NiceneHobbit Wed, 06 Dec 2006 00:32:00 +0000 http://perchristumblog.wordpress.com/2006/12/04/the-waiting-is-over-advent-is-here/#comment-630 Lutherpunk,<br/> Hi. There are actually several sites (u can just type in "Rules for fasting in Orthodox Church" in search). However, since we are interested in spiritual growth AND in adapting things for non Byzantine/Orthodox, here are general guidelines:<br/> No meat, fish, wine, oil from Nov. 15th to Dec. 14th. On Saturday and Sunday, however, and major Saints' days, things are relaxed and fish is permitted. <br/> Some folks can get really legalistic about all this, but as the Fathers (and my own priest) point out, fasting is meant as a TOOL, not and END. We do what we can for our soul's sake and the love we have for Christ. The best fast is to "loose the bonds of wickedness" in our lives and "bring the humble poor into our houses". Lutherpunk,
Hi. There are actually several sites (u can just type in “Rules for fasting in Orthodox Church” in search). However, since we are interested in spiritual growth AND in adapting things for non Byzantine/Orthodox, here are general guidelines:
No meat, fish, wine, oil from Nov. 15th to Dec. 14th. On Saturday and Sunday, however, and major Saints’ days, things are relaxed and fish is permitted.
Some folks can get really legalistic about all this, but as the Fathers (and my own priest) point out, fasting is meant as a TOOL, not and END. We do what we can for our soul’s sake and the love we have for Christ. The best fast is to “loose the bonds of wickedness” in our lives and “bring the humble poor into our houses”.

]]> http://blog.ancient-future.net/2006/12/04/the-waiting-is-over-advent-is-here/#comment-629 LutherPunk Tue, 05 Dec 2006 17:03:00 +0000 http://perchristumblog.wordpress.com/2006/12/04/the-waiting-is-over-advent-is-here/#comment-629 nicenehobbit - is there a good site online that gives the fasting guidelines in a way that non-Orthodox folks can understand them? I have seen a couple of sites, but they don't seem to explain their terms (ie cheesefare vs meatfare etc). I would be interested in reading something like that. nicenehobbit - is there a good site online that gives the fasting guidelines in a way that non-Orthodox folks can understand them? I have seen a couple of sites, but they don’t seem to explain their terms (ie cheesefare vs meatfare etc). I would be interested in reading something like that.

]]> http://blog.ancient-future.net/2006/12/04/the-waiting-is-over-advent-is-here/#comment-628 NiceneHobbit Tue, 05 Dec 2006 03:53:00 +0000 http://perchristumblog.wordpress.com/2006/12/04/the-waiting-is-over-advent-is-here/#comment-628 Here are some suggestions for Advent: Follow Byzantine/Orthodox tradition and avoid meat, dairy, and alcohol (!). I know some folks who refrain from receiving Holy Communion during the Advent period and take it again at the Christmas Liturgy, to break the Advent fast. Above all...keep hearts open to the Holy Spirit and look for ways to help the poor, the friendless, the lonely, the outcast. In them is where we find the "manger" of the King of Kings now. Here are some suggestions for Advent: Follow Byzantine/Orthodox tradition and avoid meat, dairy, and alcohol (!). I know some folks who refrain from receiving Holy Communion during the Advent period and take it again at the Christmas Liturgy, to break the Advent fast. Above all…keep hearts open to the Holy Spirit and look for ways to help the poor, the friendless, the lonely, the outcast. In them is where we find the “manger” of the King of Kings now.

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