[Northkeep] OK, here is a Lenten question...maybe Talana?

[Dana Schuman]

 I am finding this conversation fascinating and highly entertaining. 

Here are a few items of note regarding the differences of the Eastern and 
Western Christian Churches:

1.  Wine and olive oil is still a "no-no" on most days for Eastern Orthodox 
Christians during Lent.  The exception being Sundays and other days where the 
Literagy is celebrated with communion.  Since wine and olive oil were 
traditionally stored in animal skins, this makes sense.  After the schism in 
the 1060's, the See of Rome changed many things, this is just one of them.  Any 
other type of vegatable oil is acceptable.

2.  Anything with scales and/or a backbone (or from those types of creatures) is 
off-limits during Lent for the Eastern Orthodox.  No chicken, no fish, cow, no 
goat, no pig, etc.  So it was pretty much a "California" diet, all fruits and 
nuts.    This year, like most, there are only two days that fish is allowed 
during Lent, The Feast of the Annuciation (Friday, March 25) and Palm Sunday 
(Sunday, April 17)

3.  Insects don't have scales or backbones, so they are fair game.  Ergo, the 
"Wandering the Desert" diet of locusts and honey.  Mmmm, yum!

4.  St. John Chrysostom reminds Christians that Lent just isn't about fasting 
with food during Lent, but they should fast will all the senses, mind, body, and 
spirit.  The eyes should not look with lust or desire, the ears should not hear 
ill of others, the mouth should not speak with curses or disparity, the body and 
mind should refrain from anything that would harm others or ourselves with 
thoughts or deeds, and Christians should make peace with our enemies and truly 
focus on acting according to Jesus' techings in the scriptures.

5.  Following the Great Lenten Fast really makes you think about what you are 
eating and can really stretch your imagination when grocery shopping or eating 
out. 



Annais