What Do Orthodox Fast From During Lent?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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For Orthodox Christians, who follow the Julian calendar, the Great Lent is more strict, as the faithful are expected to abstain from

meat, meat by-products, poultry, eggs, and dairy products

for the entire Lenten period.

What can Greek Orthodox eat when fasting?


Seafood such as shrimps, squid, cuttlefish, octopus, lobsters, crabs as

well as snails are allowed on all fasting days throughout the year. The Greek Orthodox fasting practices can therefore be characterized as requiring a periodic vegetarian diet including fish and seafood.

What can Orthodox eat during Lent?

Throughout the entire period of fasting, believers must abstain from consuming animal products, namely

meat, animal fat, dairy products and eggs

. Fish and seafood are allowed only twice during the Great Lent: on the feast of the Annunciation (which in 2021 falls on April 7) and on Palm Sunday (April 25 this year).

What do Orthodox Christians fast from?

It can thus been seen that the Orthodox Christian Church, through its numerous fasting practices incorporating a

periodic vegetarian diet

(including vegetables, legumes, nuts, fruits, olives, bread, snails, and seafood), and its minimization of meat eating essentially proposes a variant of vegetarianism, thus …

What are the fasting rules for Lent?

A summary of current practice: On Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and all Fridays of Lent:

Everyone of age 14 and up must abstain from consuming meat

. On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday: Everyone of age 18 to 59 must fast, unless exempt due to usually a medical reason.

Why is olive oil not allowed during Orthodox Lent?

There are plenty of high-protein choices on the menu. But during Lent, many of those items are a no-no. Besides the ban on meat and dairy,

Eastern Orthodox faithful abstain from olive oil

during Lent, a tradition that began centuries ago when the oil was stored in sheep’s skin.

What can you not eat during Orthodox Lent?

During the intervening 40 days, consumption of red meat, all meat by-products (cheese, milk, eggs) and

fish with a backbone

is strictly prohibited for practising Orthodox. Even olive oil and wine are rationed.

What is strict fast in Greek Orthodox?

Orthodox Fasting (“Nistia”)

Fasting entails abstinence from meat, dairy products and fish – but not shellfish. There is also the strict fast, which is practiced on certain days of the year, where

there is also abstinence from oil

.

Is shrimp allowed during Orthodox Lent?

Foods Permitted throughout Lent:

Shellfish

(such as lobster, shrimp, crab, oysters, scallops, clams, mussels, etc.) Vegetables and Vegetable products (including grains [rice, wheat, flour, pasta {non-egg pasta}, etc.]

Why do Greek Orthodox fast for 40 days?

The 40-day fasting period otherwise known as Christmas Lent is when the Greek Orthodox Church

gives the faithful periods of fasting and reflection in order to refocus on the spiritual life

, to challenge them and to help them make adjustments, as they experience the Holy Nativity of our Lord and Saviour in a real and …

Is Honey allowed during Orthodox Lent?

Welcome to Eastern Orthodox countries during Lent. … In the Eastern Orthodox religion, practitioners are asked to “fast,” or give up animal products like meat, dairy and eggs (honey and sometimes shellfish

are permitted in some churches

).

Do Orthodox Christians have dietary restrictions?

Orthodox dietary rules require

periodic vegetarianism through the avoidance of all animal food

, with the exception of mollusks and crustaceans, which are permitted on many fasting days. Some plant-based foods, such as wine and vegetable oil, are also prohibited during some fasting periods.

What do Orthodox Christians believe?

Eastern Orthodox Christians believe in

a single God who is both three and one (triune); the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

, “one in essence and undivided”. The Holy Trinity is three “unconfused” and distinct divine persons (hypostases), who share one divine essence (ousia); uncreated, immaterial and eternal.

How long should you fast for Lent?

Despite Jesus’ 40 days in the desert, Lent lasts

46 days

. But Sundays during Lent are not “prescribed days” of fasting and abstinence. If you don’t count the Sundays, you’re left with 40 days of Lenten fasting.

What is considered a full meal during Lent?

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops provides guidelines for fasting —

eat one full meal

; two smaller meals or snacks are allowed, but they shouldn’t equal a full meal — and abstinence — no meat, although a strict vegetarian diet isn’t necessary. Fish and other seafood are allowed.

What are the three pillars of Lent?

The three pillars of Lent—

prayer, fasting, and almsgiving

—are expressions of the fundamental purpose of Lent, which is a turning to God and a conversion of heart.

Sophia Kim
Author
Sophia Kim
Sophia Kim is a food writer with a passion for cooking and entertaining. She has worked in various restaurants and catering companies, and has written for several food publications. Sophia's expertise in cooking and entertaining will help you create memorable meals and events.