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I try to fast often, any tips on a good healthy fast? I usally good for 2 days and my next fast will be for 3. I don't eat any food and take in water or tea...

thx for the help,

dm

I'm sorry, Monk, I don't understand your post. Kindly clarify it. If you are Orthodox already, this is something you should be discussing with your Spiritual Father. Various Orthodox jurisdictions have different approaches to the Great Fast, and there is your personal health to be considered, which is known to your Spiritual Father, and NOT to the members of the Forum.

In general, however: The ideal of the Orthodox fast during the Great Fast: The week of Cheesefare fish, wine and oil permitted every day, even Wednesday and Friday. Sundown on Cheesefare Sunday (as the ecclesiastical day begins on Monday) The Great Fast begins. A stict observance would have no food, liquids only, as you said, water and tea, for example, for the first three days. One meal a day, after the Third Hour. No Meat, Dairy, Fish with a Backbone, Wine (this in most traditions means ALL alcohol, but certain Slavic traditions are ALWAYS allowed beer) and Olive Oil. Wine and Olive Oil are allowed on Saturday and Sunday except Holy Saturday. Fish Wine and Oil are allowed on the Feast of the Annunciation. (March 25) and Palm Sunday. Shellfish are always allowed.

The fast is modified due to health conditions, and whether one does, say, manual labor.

The answer to a health Fast is: be certain you take in enough protein. Peanut butter, Tofu, chickpeas, beans, etc. are excellent sources. Be aware of what you are doing. And be aware that regardless of your mind's desire to fast, fasting too often and too much when you are not used to it may bring on extreme ill health. Consult your Spiritual Father. It is better to ease into the Fast and succeed than to be so weakened you cannot attend church or pray. It is my suggestion that you keep a good carton of Orange Juice with calcium to hand in case you suddenly go weak kneed!

Sorry, I tend to type off the top of my head...again sorry.

But you did answer my questions, thanks.

Thank you for your explanation. I have recently joined our local Byzantine Catholic parish in New Port Richey, FL and want to ensure that I follow the fasting guidelines as close as possible. It is mentioned chickpeas are very healthy with lots of protein, but I am prone to gout (I take allopurinal daily) and was told to avoid foods like chickpeas (aka garbanzo beans, and hummus products). I have been working hard on getting a lot of fresh and frozen veggies and rices for meals. I have also seen on a few sites discussing fasting that shellfish can be eaten on any day and not violate the Great Fast? Is that correct? (shrimp, lobster, clams, etc.?) Also, being an addict to caffeine for over 30 years (coffee and coca-cola products), is coffee acceptable during abstinence days? My spiritual Guide Fr. Tim is awesome in his guidance, but he is also very very busy and I do not want to bug him about all the smaller points. Any help you could offer would be appreciated. One last thing, there are two birthdays in my family the end of this month. Would it be a sin to have a small piece of meat (such as chicken or fish) on the Saturday feb. 28 following the actual birthday when we go out to celebrate? I guess I know that one since I am asking it, but it never hurts to ask.

Thank you.

Slava Isusu Christu,

Mike

Since Sunday is the day of Ressurection, some consider that you do not have to fast on Sunday. But then I am sure there are experts around here that will give you a much better answer. So Saturday evening for celebrating should be ok since it is the beginning of the liturgical day, but I am not the expert.

Traditionally during the Great Fast, while the amount may be relaxed a bit on Saturdays and Sundays, what is eaten (abstinence) is not relaxed.

But the Fast should not become an obsession or preoccupation with this or that small detail. It is simply one "tool" in the ascetic "toolbox" to guide us to repentance and metanoia in preparation for the great and glorious Pascha. Seek always the guidance of your spiritual father in ascetic discipline.

Thank you for your words of advice. It has provided me with the guidance I need. I am looking forward to Cheesefare tomorrow!

Slava Isusu Christu.

Mike