Fasting
Fasting, or nistia, is abstention from eating all animal products – all meat, milk, eggs, cheese, yoghurt and butter – as well as all foods containing animal products, such as biscuits made with butter or pasta made with eggs. Some may avoid oil on particular days.
The Greek Orthodox Church observes the Old Testament fast days as well as those adhered to by Christ in the New Testament. It also observes fasts set down by the early church, especially during Lent – a period of fasting during Easter dating back to the fourth century.
Other fasts have been adopted over time. Today there are many fast days and periods, including the regular fasts on Wednesdays and Fridays. In the Church’s teachings fasting, accompanied by prayer and charity, cleanses the body and soul. Fasting is also important in preparing for Holy Communion.
Many elderly Greek Australians follow these fasts. Some may feel compelled to observe them regardless of the negative effect this could have on their health. The church advises anyone with a medical condition that requires a special dietary intake (e.g. due to iron deficiency or diabetes) to fast in accordance with their medical needs. If an elderly person in this situation feels uncomfortable about missing a fast, it may be useful for them to be counselled by their parish priest.
As the church calendar indicates, fasting usually precedes great feasts and particular acts as a preparation for these events. The fasts prescribed by the Church are:
Wednesday and Friday Fasts
Fasts are observed on Wednesdays and Fridays unless some important feast takes precedence. The Wednesday fast is in memory of Christ’s betrayal. The Friday fast remembers the Passion and Christ’s death upon the cross.
Special Fast Days
- 29 August marks the beheading of St John the Baptist.
- 14 September marks the Elevation of the Holy Cross.
- 5 January marks the Eve of the Epiphany.
Easter Lent
Begins 40 days before Palm Sunday and lasts until the night before Palm Sunday.
Holy Week
During which the custom of dyeing eggs red is performed and church services address specific virtues, the fast lasts from the evening of Palm Sunday until Holy Saturday.
The Fast of the Holy Apostles
Begins on the Monday after All Saints’ Sunday (the Sunday following Pentecost) and lasts until 29 June, the Feast of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. This fast varies in length according to the date of Easter.
The Fast of the Virgin Mary (Theotokos)
Precedes the Feast of the Dormition. It runs from 1 August to the day of the feast, 15 August.
The Fast before Christmas
Starts 15 November and runs until Christmas (the Feast of the Nativity) on 25 December.
