Maintaining Fasts During the School Year

[Hellenised]

With school starting on August 8, I’m faced with (what I call) my Great Crisis in regards to fasting.

Does anyone have any tips regarding the Wednesday and Friday fasts, along with others? The past two years, I’ve wound up abandoning fasting (except at Meatfast, Great Lent and Holy Week).

This year, I don’t want to do that. At all. Unlike during non-school days, where I can simply go elsewhere when illegal food comes up, I have no choice but to remain in the school cafeteria (where, of course, I can be watched at all times to prevent me from breaking school rules ) and watch the food in front of me.

I’ve tried occupying myself during lunch time, which generally results in frustration due to the lack of INSIDE VOICES amongst the high school populace .

Thank you for any and all answers .

 

[AzzurriFan]

Hi Hellenized!

I can relate with you; school starts for me August 13. I go to law school, so admittedly I have an easier time avoiding the cafeteria and student center at lunchtime than it sounds like you do.

I can only tell you what I do. A lot of times I’ll mentally say the Jesus Prayer (or occasionally a rosary) if I’m trying to wait till noon to eat or if I’m around people who are eating foods I can’t eat. Just the mental concentration is a great help. This might also work if you’re around people not using ‘inside voices’; you can create your own personal quite space among the noise. Also, I always make sure that I do have food on me. So, if I’m avoiding meat, dairy, etc., I make sure to have bread, fruits/vegetables, almonds, etc. I know that if I’m at the cafeteria, foods with meat and dairy will be most plentiful; if I don’t have alternative foods on me, I know I’m more likely to break the fast. This past Lent was the first time I tried to do an Eastern fast, so it was also an impetus for me to do more of my own cooking (found really easy, nutritious recipes in a cookbook I got at a Greek festival years ago).

Hope this helps, and good luck with the new school year!
AzzurriFan

 

[ConstantineTG]

I love the preparation that goes into fasting. The planning and stuff. It is an exercise (one of the many benefits of fasting) that reminds us to plan our activities and avoid the sinful stuff.

Just plan where are you going and what are you eating. Maybe bring some small packs of crackers or granola bars with you just in case you cannot find anything that would conform to fasting and you won’t go hungry for a while.

 

[superamazingman]

Personally, I can’t do the fasting during school, otherwise it becomes extremely difficult to focus on the work, and the grades drop…I try to do other forms of self-deprivation.

 

[davy050995]

I’ve always wondered, what is the reason for fasting except for the observed fasts? Are there specific days defined by the Church?

 

[Mrs_Sally]

Personally, I can’t do the fasting during school, otherwise it becomes extremely difficult to focus on the work, and the grades drop…I try to do other forms of self-deprivation.

This is definately something to be concerned about. Also, that high schoolers are still growing (inside if not getting bigger).

To the OP, I am not completely familiar with the fasting rules in the Eastern churches. However, if yiour fasts are like the Latin fasts (one full meal, two snacks) than I would recommend that you go ahead and plan to eat something during the school day. It will keep your blood sugar level so you can concentrate better during afternoon classes and after-school activites.

Most school districts publish their menus in advance and often have alternate choices like salads or foods like pretzels (which are very a traditional fastingfood). Or you could pack snacks from home.

If your family doesn’t keep the W/F fasts, please be sure that your parents know what you plan to do. If they have concerns about your health, or if they see that fasting is affecting your grades or focus, than please stop or modify your fasting. Obedience is a great virtue and is more important to your spiritual well-being than a fast.

 

[Hellenised]

I’ve always wondered, what is the reason for fasting except for the observed fasts? Are there specific days defined by the Church?

In the Byzantine Rite, one fasts on Wednesdays for Christ’s betrayal, and on Fridays for Christ’s crucifixion. I believe in the West it was traditional to fast on all Fridays for the same reason.

Also, different ‘seasons’ recieve fasts. August 1, for example, begins the Fast of the Dormition, and goes until August 14. August 15 is the Dormition of the Theotokos.

Other days, like martyrdoms, recieve fasts. I’ve always thought of it as fasting as a form of mourning.

 

[Hellenised]

To the OP, I am not completely familiar with the fasting rules in the Eastern churches. However, if yiour fasts are like the Latin fasts (one full meal, two snacks) than I would recommend that you go ahead and plan to eat something during the school day. It will keep your blood sugar level so you can concentrate better during afternoon classes and after-school activites.

Most school districts publish their menus in advance and often have alternate choices like salads or foods like pretzels (which are very a traditional fastingfood). Or you could pack snacks from home.

If only they were haha!

Actually, oils, meats, fish, and wine are all prohibited during fasts.

I wonder though, if olive oil and wine (wouldn’t that be nice to take to school ) are prohibited, are olives and grapes? Those, combined with lightly salted matzot, would be wonderful, I think.

 

[AzzurriFan]

Actually, oils, meats, fish, and wine are all prohibited during fasts.

I don’t think this is necessarily true. Oil and wine, for example, are allowed on Saturdays and Sundays during Great Lent (well, wine’s allowed for those of us over the legal drinking age ). Are you following the fasting guidelines of a particular church? Another thing that I find helpful for maintaining the fasts, is that I have the Melkite and Greek Orthodox apps on my cellphone (the names of the apps escape me, but if you search for them they come right up; also they’re free). In addition to other useful stuff, they both have the fasting/abstinence guidelines for the day. If this option doesn’t work, try getting a church calendar that marks the guidelines or find such a guide on a church website.

Regarding proper nutrition, you might want to google how to get enough protein, calcium, etc. during the fasts. I did this and was surprised with all of the food ideas that the search returned . Or talk to a doctor if either you or your parents are concerned.

AzzurriFan

 

[Hellenised]

I don’t think this is necessarily true. Oil and wine, for example, are allowed on Saturdays and Sundays during Great Lent (well, wine’s allowed for those of us over the legal drinking age ). Are you following the fasting guidelines of a particular church? Another thing that I find helpful for maintaining the fasts, is that I have the Melkite and Greek Orthodox apps on my cellphone (the names of the apps escape me, but if you search for them they come right up; also they’re free). In addition to other useful stuff, they both have the fasting/abstinence guidelines for the day. If this option doesn’t work, try getting a church calendar that marks the guidelines or find such a guide on a church website.

I probably should have been more clear .

*Unless otherwise noted (as per the Calendar of the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate in America) dairy, eggs, fish, meat, wine, and oil are prohibited on Wednesdays, Fridays, and other noted fast days.

Feast days that fall on Wednesdays and Fridays receive their own rules. August 15 (Dormition of the Theotokos), for example, fish, oil, and wine are allowed.

Great Lent Saturdays and Sundays also allow for oil and wine, as well as two meals a day, mid-day and evening.

The ROEA Calendar for the interested.

Regarding proper nutrition, you might want to google how to get enough protein, calcium, etc. during the fasts. I did this and was surprised with all of the food ideas that the search returned . Or talk to a doctor if either you or your parents are concerned.

AzzurriFan

Noted

 

[Diak]

Fasting is between you and God with the guidance of your spiritual father, and outside of that no one else should be involved.

The fasting rules of the Church are for general application, but as the cultural and physical conditions of each person are different we very much need specific guidance beyond the general rules of the Church. The Fathers are very clear on this.

 

[AzzurriFan]

Hi Hellenized,

After reading back some of what I’ve written, I’m afraid that it may come across a bit condescending. I didn’t mean for it to . The stuff about nutrition and a doctor was because I don’t know your situation, and would hate to tell you something that would be harmful for you (ie not knowing your health, how long you’ve maintained the fasts; and NONE of it is my business either, just highlighting the ambiguities ). To explain where I’m coming from, my family never kept the fasts when I was growing up, so when I started to do so, my parents were more than a little skeptical. Convincing them that it was very possible to keep the fasts and stay healthy got them on board, which made keeping the fasts much smoother for me. This may or may not apply to you. Again, you know your situation best .

Fasting is between you and God with the guidance of your spiritual father, and outside of that no one else should be involved.

The fasting rules of the Church are for general application, but as the cultural and physical conditions of each person are different we very much need specific guidance beyond the general rules of the Church. The Fathers are very clear on this.

This. Also, your spiritual father can give you guidance about how to approach the added difficulties of maintaining the fasts with the distractions of school.

Best of luck,
AzzurriFan

 

[Aramis]

However, if yiour fasts are like the Latin fasts (one full meal, two snacks) than I would recommend that you go ahead and plan to eat something during the school day.

They aren’t. Often, no “missing a meal” is called for. In some, not even a reduction in amount is called for. But the abstinence required is generally similar to that expected on Roman “Black Fast” days, but on every wednesday and friday. There is a call for simplicity, tho’, and generally, spices used are fewer, and usually also vegetables.

Generally… No meat, milk, eggs, oil, wine. And often, no meat means nothing with a spine - so shellfish are fine, but fish aren’t.

To the OP:

The best defense against breaking the fasting restrictions are tasty, healthy foods with a variety of textures that don’t break the fasting restrictions, take time to chew, and that look and smell and look good.

In other words, pack a tasty but fast friendly lunch that will fill you.

Remember: bread, if part of your routine, is easily made fast-friendly. Just don’t add butter, oil, or milk. It will go stale faster if left out, and tends to be a bit more crumbly, but it has texture. If you have a bread machine, use it. Remember, fast-friendly bread is used in Byzantine parishes every day - Prosphora! Prosphora recipes, just by adding a teaspoon or two of sugar and some shredded or dehydrated potatoes, become really tasty sandwich breads.

Hummus can be made without the oils. It tends to be a bit different in consistency, but still makes a good dip or spread.

Beans and Rice is a good meal. Add some salad for color and crunch. (refried beans are not fast-friendly… but other kinds can be.) And, generally, 4 hours in a sealed container and they’re still safe.

Spicier veggies can flavor soups nicely, and soups travel well in wide-mouth thermoses.

 

[Holly3278]

With school starting on August 8, I’m faced with (what I call) my Great Crisis in regards to fasting.

Does anyone have any tips regarding the Wednesday and Friday fasts, along with others? The past two years, I’ve wound up abandoning fasting (except at Meatfast, Great Lent and Holy Week).

This year, I don’t want to do that. At all. Unlike during non-school days, where I can simply go elsewhere when illegal food comes up, I have no choice but to remain in the school cafeteria (where, of course, I can be watched at all times to prevent me from breaking school rules ) and watch the food in front of me.

I’ve tried occupying myself during lunch time, which generally results in frustration due to the lack of INSIDE VOICES amongst the high school populace .

Thank you for any and all answers .

Your religion says that you are Technically Pagan. Why would a Pagan need to obey the fasts of the Church?

 

[Cavaradossi]

Your religion says that you are Technically Pagan. Why would a Pagan need to obey the fasts of the Church?

Because fasting is medicine for the soul, not just a canonical obligation. Even those who are preparing to enter into the Church or even just inquiring should attempt to fast and pray to the best of their abilities.

To the OP: These are only suggestions, since I don’t know you, and I am probably not qualified to give such advice. I would really say that the most sane thing to do would be only to fast when you are capable of controlling how your food is prepared. Pack a lunch if you can. If you cannot, buy whatever you can eat at the cafeteria and do not fret if you must break the fast owing to a lack of options. Try to resume fasting after school if this latter scenario happens. Do not attempt to skip lunch unless you are physically capable of forgoing lunch entirely. Definitely try to find some priest to ask about how you should approach your situation and follow his advice above whatever crazy people on the internet like me have to say on the matter.

 

[5Loaves]

They aren’t. Often, no “missing a meal” is called for. In some, not even a reduction in amount is called for. But the abstinence required is generally similar to that expected on Roman “Black Fast” days, but on every wednesday and friday. There is a call for simplicity, tho’, and generally, spices used are fewer, and usually also vegetables.

Generally… No meat, milk, eggs, oil, wine. And often, no meat means nothing with a spine - so shellfish are fine, but fish aren’t.

To the OP:

The best defense against breaking the fasting restrictions are tasty, healthy foods with a variety of textures that don’t break the fasting restrictions, take time to chew, and that look and smell and look good.

In other words, pack a tasty but fast friendly lunch that will fill you.

Remember: bread, if part of your routine, is easily made fast-friendly. Just don’t add butter, oil, or milk. It will go stale faster if left out, and tends to be a bit more crumbly, but it has texture. If you have a bread machine, use it. Remember, fast-friendly bread is used in Byzantine parishes every day - Prosphora! Prosphora recipes, just by adding a teaspoon or two of sugar and some shredded or dehydrated potatoes, become really tasty sandwich breads.

Hummus can be made without the oils. It tends to be a bit different in consistency, but still makes a good dip or spread.

Beans and Rice is a good meal. Add some salad for color and crunch. (refried beans are not fast-friendly… but other kinds can be.) And, generally, 4 hours in a sealed container and they’re still safe.

Spicier veggies can flavor soups nicely, and soups travel well in wide-mouth thermoses.

Glad to see you back! And dishing out good advice.

 

[lssanjose]

I’m prepping for the Dormition Fast, too. I’m already foreseeing tons of avocado (since I can’t intake oils, except during permitted days), sweet potatoes, occasional serving of tempeh, or miso. I’m also going to steam my vegetables, instead of cooking them in coconut oil.

 

[Hellenised]

Your religion says that you are Technically Pagan. Why would a Pagan need to obey the fasts of the Church?

I explained the situation here.

I am ‘Pagan’ in the sense of ‘outside the bounds of monotheism’. A non-Christian (such as myself NB: to me, a heavy distinction exists between ‘folk’ Christianity and ‘formal Christianity’.] who is neither a Jew* nor Muslim is, by definition, a ‘Pagan’.

*I assume I am not a Jew, as I have never entered a synagogue, or participated in Jewish holidays or tradition; however, the lack of mentioning of Jesus and the New Testament in general (as opposed to the oft mentioned Old Testament) during my childhood has caused me to wonder…

 

[Hellenised]

Because fasting is medicine for the soul, not just a canonical obligation. Even those who are preparing to enter into the Church or even just inquiring should attempt to fast and pray to the best of their abilities.

To the OP: These are only suggestions, since I don’t know you, and I am probably not qualified to give such advice. I would really say that the most sane thing to do would be only to fast when you are capable of controlling how your food is prepared. Pack a lunch if you can. If you cannot, buy whatever you can eat at the cafeteria and do not fret if you must break the fast owing to a lack of options. Try to resume fasting after school if this latter scenario happens. Do not attempt to skip lunch unless you are physically capable of forgoing lunch entirely. Definitely try to find some priest to ask about how you should approach your situation and follow his advice above whatever crazy people on the internet like me have to say on the matter.

Thanks to you and everyone else! I’ve found this thread very interesting. Once again, thanks to al!

 

[5Loaves]

Thanks to you and everyone else! I’ve found this thread very interesting. Once again, thanks to al!

Let us know how it goes. I think we can all encourage one another.
I had tuna for a late lunch and am having a milkshake now to kick off the Fast.