Thanks for your kind words! I’ve wanted to put this together for years, and one of our local catechumens was asking some Lenten questions and inspired me to finally go ahead!
Wow, this is really beautiful! Im not orthodox but i have been wanting to learn more abt fasting in general. I also really appreciate how the steps here are focused on God and quite practical ❤️
I'm glad you found it helpful! Most Orthodox Churches offer many extra services during Great and Holy Lent. Perhaps you'll join one of our parishes for a service in the upcoming season! All the best to you!
This is absolutely amazing. What a beautifully written and comprehensive presentation. I want to share it with everyone I know. Thank you so much! God bless you!
Thank you so much for this 🙏 I was Chrismated in September so this is my first proper Orthodox Lent season. The information you have provided is very helpful- exactly what I was looking for. God bless you! ☦️
Haha, there are a few fast-friendly cookbooks out there—I know Ancient Faith has at least one! I do a lot of weight lifting so I aim to get my shellfish protein in where I can for energy and muscle retention if possible. But some of those concerns often take the backseat!
Hi Rose! During Lent the Church cuts back on oil because, especially in the ancient Mediterranean, it was a basic sign of comfort and feasting, so setting it aside makes our meals simpler and less luxurious, which helps us pray, repent, and feel the difference between ordinary days and this season of focused repentance. It's an ascetic discipline—and more likely to be followed closely in monasteries more than homes.
Ah I see - thank you for explaining- last year I didn’t have a clue what was going on- this year I’m a bit more ‘in the know’ - there’s a lot to learn. It’s a very interesting journey. I’m so blessed to have found a good Orthodox Church here in Shropshire. Thanks be to God ☦️🙏☦️
Hi Sophia, all I’ve been able to find suggests that the leather‑bag idea is a later, popular explanation, not the original reason. As best I can tell, the ancient canons and typika simply speak of abstaining from “wine and oil” as richer, festive foods, with olive oil singled out because it was the normal cooking fat, not because of its container. The fact that wine and oil were often stored in skins is historically true, but I haven’t seen any patristic or canonical text that actually grounds the fasting rule in that detail. So I’d treat the leather‑bag story as a pious or catechetical gloss on a much older, more basic ascetical practice.
Thank you so much for this guide! Very well organized and thought out. I might have to print this one out to share!
Thanks for your kind words! I’ve wanted to put this together for years, and one of our local catechumens was asking some Lenten questions and inspired me to finally go ahead!
Wow, this is really beautiful! Im not orthodox but i have been wanting to learn more abt fasting in general. I also really appreciate how the steps here are focused on God and quite practical ❤️
I'm glad you found it helpful! Most Orthodox Churches offer many extra services during Great and Holy Lent. Perhaps you'll join one of our parishes for a service in the upcoming season! All the best to you!
Great resource. Sharing this.
Great article, Jamey. Thanks for sharing it!
This is so helpful (and humorously written - “don’t out-monk the monks” 😆).
This is absolutely amazing. What a beautifully written and comprehensive presentation. I want to share it with everyone I know. Thank you so much! God bless you!
Beautiful.
This was an enjoyable read and humorously written, which helps one keep reading in spite of a potential information overload.
Ah, the depth and richness of the beautiful Orthodox Christian faith and tradition!
Very helpful! I am going to forward this to my parishioners. Thank you!
This is a marvellous overview- thank you. I am challenged and so ready for Pascha....
Thank you so much for this 🙏 I was Chrismated in September so this is my first proper Orthodox Lent season. The information you have provided is very helpful- exactly what I was looking for. God bless you! ☦️
I hope you have a beautiful journey to the cross, tomb, and victorious resurrection!
Are those black olives? And hummus made without oil?
We may never know!
Excellent overview. May I add my own book on Lent as a resource? https://paracletepress.com/products/hunger-for-righteousness
I’d like the recipe for that bread, and the soup!
Now can you do a post of what you like to eat during the fast? That’s a great picture:)
Haha, there are a few fast-friendly cookbooks out there—I know Ancient Faith has at least one! I do a lot of weight lifting so I aim to get my shellfish protein in where I can for energy and muscle retention if possible. But some of those concerns often take the backseat!
May I ask : why is oil rationed during Orthodox Lent?
Hi Rose! During Lent the Church cuts back on oil because, especially in the ancient Mediterranean, it was a basic sign of comfort and feasting, so setting it aside makes our meals simpler and less luxurious, which helps us pray, repent, and feel the difference between ordinary days and this season of focused repentance. It's an ascetic discipline—and more likely to be followed closely in monasteries more than homes.
Ah I see - thank you for explaining- last year I didn’t have a clue what was going on- this year I’m a bit more ‘in the know’ - there’s a lot to learn. It’s a very interesting journey. I’m so blessed to have found a good Orthodox Church here in Shropshire. Thanks be to God ☦️🙏☦️
I thought that it was also because oil used to be kept in leather bags - no?
Hi Sophia, all I’ve been able to find suggests that the leather‑bag idea is a later, popular explanation, not the original reason. As best I can tell, the ancient canons and typika simply speak of abstaining from “wine and oil” as richer, festive foods, with olive oil singled out because it was the normal cooking fat, not because of its container. The fact that wine and oil were often stored in skins is historically true, but I haven’t seen any patristic or canonical text that actually grounds the fasting rule in that detail. So I’d treat the leather‑bag story as a pious or catechetical gloss on a much older, more basic ascetical practice.
Ah, great explanation. Thank you.