http://www.theoniondome.com/2007/03/mm/ Cause for Orthodox Lenten Hypertension Found.....March, 2007
Boring, OR.
The Insitute for Eastern Orthodox Intransigence Studies today released its long-awaited report: Blood Pressure Variations in Eastern Orthodox Christians in the United States During Great Lent. Without going into the details of the research protocols, we would like to offer a summary of the conclusions.
The Eastern Orthodox Church is made up of many national groups, unified in faith, but with varying histories, two major typica (Byzantine and Slav), dozens of languages, and myriad local customs. Anecdotal evidence has long noted 5% to 15% spikes in blood pressure among faithful Eastern Orthodox Christians in the United States during the fasting period, called "Great Lent," or "The Great Fast," preceding Orthodox Easter, usually called "Pascha." This study examined the causes of this physical change.
The report concludes that the rise in average blood pressure is not, as previously thought, the result of dietary changes related to fasting (such as increased salt intake). It is in fact the result of the common U.S. practice of local Orthodox Churches having pan-Orthodox services during the Lenten period, requiring their members to attend services in parishes other than their own.
Despite the Orthodox Church's emphasis on theological unity within national diversity, most Eastern Orthodox Christians, cradle or convert, tend to develop a belief that there is only one Orthodox way to fast, pray, or hold services. This is most commonly described as the way things were described in catechumen classes (27%), the way the priest did things in one's childhood parish (26%), the way grandma taught (17%), or a set of conclusions arrived at by reading one or two books (10%).
The most significant blood pressure increases were noted under the following circumstances: 1.) subjects encountering services that are significantly longer or shorter than the subject is accustomed to, 2.) subjects from "pew" parishes worshiping in "non-pew" parishes and subjects from "non-pew" parishes worshiping in "pew" parishes, 3. subjects from "by the book" convert parishes worshiping in "how our ancestors have always done it" ethnic parishes and subjects from "how our ancestors have always done it" ethnic parishes worshiping in "by the book" convert parishes, and 4. subjects encountering unfamiliar liturgical languages.
The report suggests that these unhealthy blood pressure increases should be controlled by diet and exercise and by broader Orthodox education with increased emphasis on spiritual development. In the absence of these physical and spiritual lifestyle changes, medication may be advised.
We eagerly anticipate the publication of results of another of the Institute's research projects: Gastrointestinal Symptoms of Eastern Orthodox Christians During Pascha and Bright Week: a Longitudinal Study.
This report was filed by Onion Dome deuce reporter Marie Moffitt.
