All Saints Orthodox Mission Station

Victoria, TX.

 

 

 

	The Orthodox Church prescribes periods of spiritual preparation prior to the major feasts of the Church, i.e Pascha (Easter), Nativity, Dormition, and the Apostle's Fast before the Feast of St.s Peter and Paul (Usually June, but sometimes as early as late May). These periods fall roughly four times per year, almost on a quarterly basis, not sure if that was by specific design, but it does point to a normal rhythm of fasting and feasting periods.       In the West, "fasting" is understood as "giving something up" whereas in the East, a fast is not just limited to certain types of foods. Rather, we are called to fast from sin so that we can dedicate our lives more fully to Christ.       The period before the Feast of the Birth of the Lord is no different. During this preparatory season for the Birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ, we are given another opportunity by the Church to mark this time with increased prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. On prayer, St. Basil the Great teaches that the best form of prayer is one that implants the clearest idea of God in the soul and thus makes space for the presence of God within us. On fasting, St Basil instructs that true fasting lies in rejecting evil, holding one's tongue, suppressing one's hatred, and banishing one's lust, evil words, lying and betrayal of vows. And regarding almsgiving, St. Philaret of Moscow states, Through the cheap price of doing good to men, we can acquire the priceless Kingdom of God. Thus, we makes ourselves ready for His Birth by doing a bit more than we would usually do, more prayer, more fasting, more alsmgiving. And, hopefully, such periods of preparation will then not be limited to prescribed times, but all the time of our life, and, as we grow our spiritual efforts will become greater and greater.       The Online Orthodox Church in America Calendar. Recipes and meal suggestions that are acceptable during the fast periods of the Orthodox Church can be found here.