From today and in the coming weeks until Christmas, it is a time of fasting. The Christmas fasts traditionally they start on November 15 and continue until Christmas, December 25th.
Through the discipline of fasting, it is believed that by learning to control the body’s primal desire for food, other worldly desires can also be more easily regulated. Through this practice one has a better opportunity to draw closer to God.
While fasting has excellent effects on the body, it is also important that the fasting person tries to suppress anger, envy, greed, sloth, pride and lust. Orthodox theology sees a synthesis between body and soul, so that what happens to the body affects the soul. A gesture of donation is also encouraged.
In the Eastern Orthodox Church, fasting traditionally excludes meat products, eggs, dairy products, fish, fats (oil) and wine from the menu. Oil, fish and wine are allowed on certain days during Lent
November 15-22 – strict fasting is observed
November 23 – December 19 – oil, wine, fish and seafood are allowed – except Wednesday and Friday when strict fasting is observed
December 20-24 – strict fasting
December 25 – end of fasting
Nuts, whole grain products, fruits and vegetables are considered extremely useful during fasting. Protein deficiency can be prevented by focusing on foods such as chickpeas, beans, lentils, quinoa, rice, bulgur and mushrooms. Eating more fruits such as bananas, apples and oranges, as well as fresh vegetables, is also very useful.
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