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Dear Irish,

(Would you mind if I called you "Columcille" since, far from being pugnacious, you are truly a holy Dove!)

The Wednesday fast recalls the beginning of the Passion of Christ when Judas went, on the fourth day of the week (i.e. Wednesday) to the Elders to arrange to betray Christ for 30 silver pieces.

Interestingly, the Eastern Church commemorates St Joseph the Fair, the Son of Jacob on the Monday of Holy Week as a type of Christ who, as we know, was sold for 20 pieces by his brothers.

The Roman Church later transferred the Wednesday fast to Saturday in honour of Our Lady, but the East does not allow for fasting on Saturdays, save for Holy Saturday.

God bless,

Alex

>>>(Would you mind if I called you "Columcille" since, far from being pugnacious, you are truly a holy Dove!)<<<

A dove perhaps, but far from holy

Dear Columcille,

"Columcille" it is then!

Alex

>>> But I must confess that your response in one well chosen word in this latest posting should earn you an Honorary Doctorate!

Alex<<<

Dear Alex,

Even the best comic is helpless without a good straight man. You fed me the perfect setup line. Thanks.

Stuart

Dear Stuart,

What a joy it would be to one day meet you (and Brendan if he'll join us for lunch) in person!

Alex

Alex,
In the Roman Rite, we are called to fast from the meat of land animals and fowl on Good Friday and the Fridays of Lent. We are also called to either fast from meat or to make some other sacrifice on all of the other Fridays of the year. In addition, Latins are required to fast from food and drink except for medicine and water for one hour prior to Mass. Is there anything like this in the East?
God bless,
Michael

Dear Michael,

Eastern Christians fast and abstain from all meats and meat by-products on all Wednesdays and Fridays of the year, except during Bright Week, the Christmas and Epiphany seasons etc.

I believe, but don't know for sure, if the Melkites don't fast for the entire 40 day Paschal period.

The rule also applies to the four major fast periods: The Great Fast, the Dormition Fast, the Apostles' Fast and the Nativity Fast.

With respect to Holy Communion, we fast from midnight the previous night.

In the Ukrainian Catholic Church, the Wednesday fast is relaxed in that the bishops don't consider it a sin if you don't. But it is recommended and practiced in all parishes of a decidedly Eastern orientation.

God bless you richly, Michael, it is always good to hear from a fellow Catholic who takes his Faith and Church seriously!!

Alex

Alex,
According to the Melkite Greek Catholic Church Eparchy of Newton web site, they do fast for the full 40 days of Lent. Some of the members where I am going did do this. It is considered a strict fast. For those of use who are new or can't handle it, we are advised to Fast on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Your little brother in Christ,
David

Dear David,

Yes, I know that the Melkites fast during the entire Lenten period.

But in their prayer book, reference is made by Joseph Raya regarding the 40 day paschal or Easter period before Pentecost and that there is "no fast" during this period.

I was just wondering if the Melkites fasted on Wednesdays and Fridays during THAT period.

Alex

Alex --

When I was a Melkite I think the practice was to fast normally during this period -- but there were some who did not fast at all between Pascha and Ascension.


Brendan

In the Syrian Church, as far as I know, it is absolutely forbidden to fast from Easter till the Ascension, even on Wednesday and Friday.

Dear Mor Ephrem,

I . . .I think I'm falling in love with the Syriac tradition . . .

God bless you, precious Friend in Christ!

Alex

Dear Alex,

I say this half in jest and half in truth...be careful who you fall in love with.

I have no reason to think that the Byzantine tradition would ever not serve you as well as you should be served. You seem too devoted a person to leave. However, if she ever betrays you, there are other fish in the sea, like the Syriac tradition. Just be careful; if you don't take advantage of the opportunity during Pascha, you might find yourself prohibited by fasting regulations from seeking that fish again for a very long time. *I say this only in jest.

God bless you too, my elder brother.


[This message has been edited by Mor Ephrem (edited 04-20-2001).]

Dear Mor Ephrem,

Like my dream about the "multi-liturgical edifice" (as Dr. John described it - God love him!), I feel at home in all Orthodox Catholic traditions!

The Syriac tradition is so, so beautiful in its mystical richness.

Thanks to you, friend, that tradition has become vitally real and close to me!

God bless you, Apostle of the Apostle!

Alex

Dear Stuart,

You realize, of course, that this means that if the Romans go back to serious fasting they would then become

"Ex-lax"?

(Maybe this is what's required?)

Christ is Risen

John

Pilgrim and Odd Duck