Topic: Advent Fast

[Myrrh23]

I am not yet Orthodox and am wanting to celebrate the Advent Fast, but I don't know if I should do it the new Calendar way or the Old Calendar way. I have looked up the differences, but the information I have found is confusing and seems to tell me that there is a lot of politics to it. Does it really matter, because I have no clue. I am wanting to celebrate some type of fasting, as I used to be RCC, but I don't believe as they do, so.... Since I'm not orthodox, but am wanting to convert, are the rules of the fasting still binding?
I am used to thinking of Christmas being on the 25th, if that helps the situation, but I dunno....

[ytterbiumanalyst]

^ The New Calendar fast begins today and ends on Dec. 25th. The Old Calendar fast begins on Nov. 27th and ends on their Nativity, Jan. 7. If you're going to celebrate the Old Calendar fast, you should go to an Old Calendar church for their nativity. If there is no such church around you, I'd suggest participating in the New Calendar fast.

[Entscheidungsproblem]

Fasting should be done under the guidance of a Priest.  He will help decide the nature of your fast as an inquirer.  When I first started investigating Orthodoxy, my Priest actually encouraged that at first I retain the RC style of fasting that I followed (Benedictine style) and as I experienced more fasts, slowly shaping my practices until they became more Byzantine.

Which calendar you follow should be based more around the parish you decide to attend.  A New Calendar parish means, like ytterbiumanalyst said, you would be celebrating Christmas on the 25th of December on the civil calendar.

[SolEX01]

^ The New Calendar fast begins today and ends on Dec. 25th. The Old Calendar fast begins on Nov. 27th and ends on their Nativity, Jan. 7. If you're going to celebrate the Old Calendar fast, you should go to an Old Calendar church for their nativity. If there is no such church around you, I'd suggest participating in the New Calendar fast.

A fast is a fast; Why is there a distinction between Old Calendar and New Calendar fasting?  Does selecting a fast commit someone to New or Old Calendar Churches?  I don't think so!   

Do we even know why Myrrh23 would ask about Old Calendar fasting styles (AFAIK, they are no different from New Calendar fasting styles)?

[Asteriktos]

I'd agree with what others have said here: it depends on the parish that you're attending (or might be attending). Orthodoxy is, above all, a corporate thing, it's not really something to be doing on your own. Of course, you can do it on your own if that's just where you're at in your spiritual walk, but it's really not the best bet (nor biblical). I say this not to judge anyone, I'm just trying to emphasise getting to liturgy to be among other similarly-minded/practicing people.

Do we even know why Myrrh23 would ask about Old Calendar fasting styles (AFAIK, they are no different from New Calendar fasting styles)?

Because she was curious, one would presume. I think the calendar issue can be confusing, even for someone who has been Orthodox for a while (let alone an inquirer). I know that I still have problems calculating the dates for some days and have to sit down and really think about things to get it right.

[PeterTheAleut]

As to the rules of fasting: what we eat, what we don't eat, on what days are we allowed to eat certain foods; they don't differ at all between New Calendar and Old Calendar churches.

[Myrrh23]

I'd agree with what others have said here: it depends on the parish that you're attending (or might be attending). Orthodoxy is, above all, a corporate thing, it's not really something to be doing on your own. Of course, you can do it on your own if that's just where you're at in your spiritual walk, but it's really not the best bet (nor biblical). I say this not to judge anyone, I'm just trying to emphasise getting to liturgy to be among other similarly-minded/practicing people.

I see! Thanks for the good advice and instruction!

[Thomas]

Dear to Christ, Myrrh23,

I concur with what those above have said. You should follow the observance practices of your local Orthodox Church with whom you are fellowshipping with at this time.  If you are and active inquior or catechumen, you would follow the direction of your priest.  If you have not formalized your position, The Nativity Lent often called Advent is a perfect time to look at your  formally making a commitment as an inquior or catechumen.

Thomas

[username!]

^ The New Calendar fast begins today and ends on Dec. 25th. The Old Calendar fast begins on Nov. 27th and ends on their Nativity, Jan. 7. If you're going to celebrate the Old Calendar fast, you should go to an Old Calendar church for their nativity. If there is no such church around you, I'd suggest participating in the New Calendar fast.

Why do you suggest that? 

[Tzimis]

It's best that you become a member in a Orthodox church before you begin to fast. Sometimes fasting can do more harm than good. It is a spiritual tool not to be taken lightly.

[Elisha]

^ The New Calendar fast begins today and ends on Dec. 25th. The Old Calendar fast begins on Nov. 27th and ends on their Nativity, Jan. 7. If you're going to celebrate the Old Calendar fast, you should go to an Old Calendar church for their nativity. If there is no such church around you, I'd suggest participating in the New Calendar fast.

Why do you suggest that? 

I think it should be obvious - you can celebrate Christmas with everyone else.  Unless all your relatives are Orthodox and on the Old Calendar, this fast/season is the hardest for most Orthodox in America.

[Tzimis]

 Unless all your relatives are Orthodox and on the Old Calendar, this fast/season is the hardest for most Orthodox in America.

Actually it makes it easier to fast. "Sorry had to throw that in".

[ytterbiumanalyst]

^ The New Calendar fast begins today and ends on Dec. 25th. The Old Calendar fast begins on Nov. 27th and ends on their Nativity, Jan. 7. If you're going to celebrate the Old Calendar fast, you should go to an Old Calendar church for their nativity. If there is no such church around you, I'd suggest participating in the New Calendar fast.

Why do you suggest that? 

Because the whole point of the fast is to celebrate Christmas, and the way to celebrate Christmas is in the Church. So whenever your parish or a parish in communion with yours located near your relatives celebrates Christmas, celebrate it with them. There's no point in fasting differently from all the other Christians around you.