Ansgar
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Keep your mind in hell and do not despair
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« on: October 10, 2011, 12:00:51 PM » |
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Alright, I know that it is a little early but this will become a pretty important matter later. Due to various sircumstances at home, I have not begun fasting yet(don't judge me  ) but eventually, it will happen. Unfortunately the scandinavian countries have the incredibly annoying tradition to celebrate christmas on the 24th of december and not on the 25th as in other countries. This means that families will gather on the evening after the afternoon church service(yes, danes still go to church on christmas). Since the orthodox church celebrates christmas on the night between those two days I will not be able to celebrate christmas with my family. Also, it is a proud tradition during december to hold family christmas dinners, a tradition which is very convenient due to my countries dark winter days. And here I am talking about REALLY big dinners,  This will make it very difficult for me to fast during the month since these dinners are very important, at least in my family and it would be very rude not to eat anything. I once heard a norwegian priest say that you should eat a little bit of food when you visit people so as not to insult the hosts. What do you think I should do? |
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Christ is risen!
Do not be cast down over the struggle - the Lord loves a brave warrior. The Lord loves the soul that is valiant.
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Michał Kalina
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« Reply #1 on: October 10, 2011, 12:05:22 PM » |
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One main course, several starters... No, it's not big.
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formerly known as mikeDespite being a Polish citizen I am not a Pole.  Long live Belarus! "It's my constitutional right!" |
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Gorazd
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« Reply #2 on: October 10, 2011, 01:05:45 PM » |
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What do you think I should do?
Ask your priest! |
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LizaSymonenko
Христос Воскрес!!! Christ is Risen!!!
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« Reply #3 on: October 10, 2011, 01:31:04 PM » |
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Since the orthodox church celebrates christmas on the night between those two days I will not be able to celebrate christmas with my family.
...just celebrate Christmas on January 7 (Julian Calendar - Dec. 25).  Seriously, I have been told that when during a fast I happen to visit a home of non-fasters, I am obligated to eat the food they put before me....because food (of any kind) is still a gift from God....and it would be rude to the host and to God, to waste it. Don't overeat, or specifically plan to visit non-fasters so that you can talk yourself in to eating non-fast meals. However, if they happen to have lenten fare (ie. veggies, salad, etc...) try to stick with those items. |
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Conquer evil men by your gentle kindness, and make zealous men wonder at your goodness. Put the lover of legality to shame by your compassion. With the afflicted be afflicted in mind. Love all men, but keep distant from all men.
—St. Isaac of Syria
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Russell
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« Reply #4 on: October 10, 2011, 02:44:44 PM » |
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My understanding is that hospitality is more important than the fasts.
When I go to someones house, I eat what is offered. I don't seek out extra visits just to break the fast, only the normal family/friend obligations.
During fasts I avoid inviting people over. When people do come over, I try to serve something that does not break the fast but will not raise questions, spaghetti without meatballs has worked well.
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Mathe 24:36
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celticfan1888
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« Reply #5 on: October 10, 2011, 10:28:33 PM » |
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Alright, I know that it is a little early but this will become a pretty important matter later. Due to various sircumstances at home, I have not begun fasting yet(don't judge me ) but eventually, it will happen. Unfortunately the scandinavian countries have the incredibly annoying tradition to celebrate christmas on the 24th of december and not on the 25th as in other countries. This means that families will gather on the evening after the afternoon church service(yes, danes still go to church on christmas). Since the orthodox church celebrates christmas on the night between those two days I will not be able to celebrate christmas with my family. Also, it is a proud tradition during december to hold family christmas dinners, a tradition which is very convenient due to my countries dark winter days. And here I am talking about REALLY big dinners, This will make it very difficult for me to fast during the month since these dinners are very important, at least in my family and it would be very rude not to eat anything. I once heard a norwegian priest say that you should eat a little bit of food when you visit people so as not to insult the hosts. What do you think I should do? *mouth waters* Eat a small amout, as to not be rude. Just realize Orthodoxy isn't legalistic, keeping the fast is important, but so is spending time with the family. So eating a little with everybody wont harm your salvation. P.S. I am going to be going through the same thing as you (My first year as an Orthodox), and my family does the same stuff. |
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« Last Edit: October 10, 2011, 10:31:30 PM by celticfan1888 »
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Achronos
Miami's Theme Song (Spongebob): Who lives in Miami right by the sea? LeBron James! Absorbent and bald and selfish is he. LeBron James! If not being clutch be somethin' ya wish. LeBron James! Then drop on the floor and flop like a fish.
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« Reply #6 on: October 10, 2011, 11:32:44 PM » |
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My step-grandparents are devout Baptists so you can bet there is going to be some amazingly delicious anti-fast food.
I don't think I can use frugality in this situation.
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It would be helpful if you were born with an OFF switch.
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Paisius
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« Reply #7 on: October 10, 2011, 11:36:23 PM » |
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Eat a modest amount of food to the glory of God. Remember, never make the means to the end an end in itself. |
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« Last Edit: October 10, 2011, 11:36:38 PM by Paisius »
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"Is it really true that political self-interest is nobler somehow than economic self-interest?" - Milton Friedman
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Ansgar
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Keep your mind in hell and do not despair
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« Reply #8 on: October 11, 2011, 01:55:44 AM » |
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Thank you, everybody. I still have to do something about the 24th of december thing though.
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Christ is risen!
Do not be cast down over the struggle - the Lord loves a brave warrior. The Lord loves the soul that is valiant.
-St Silouan the athonite
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Riddikulus
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« Reply #9 on: October 11, 2011, 03:36:45 AM » |
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Orthodox days are recognised as beginning at sunset. Once the sun has set on the 24th, it becomes the 25th. Is that a large enough loophole?  |
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I believe in One God, maker of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible.
Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution.
Theodosius Dobzhansky, Russian Orthodox Christian (1900-1975)
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