It was suggested that members of the Emmanuel Family might be interested in learning about another Christian tradition—in this case the Eastern, (Greek, Orthodox Church).

Easter is the most important feast in the Orthodox year  because it commemorates  Christ’s triumph over death.  But before that can happen, there are forty days of  rigorous fasting during which we are urged to abstain from all animal products—-meat, eggs, butter, cheese, and for the very strict, even olive oil.  Most people try to keep the fast at least on Wednesdays and Fridays, but few will do the very strict fasting.

As you may know, the Eastern Churches use a different calendar, (the Julian), to figure the date of Easter.  So this year Greek Easter will be a week later than in the West—April 15th.

If you’d like to learn more about the reasons for keeping a fast, both physical and spiritual, you can check Google for “Greek Orthodox-fasting”, where you’ll find many interesting websites.

Our Orthodox Lent begins with “Clean Monday” on the 27th of February—a day of picnics and wine and many vegetable dishes—salads, vegetable “stews,” bread and hummus  It is the last joyful day before Lent really begins in earnest.

After Lent comes the celebration of Easter, and we hope to share it with all of you.  We’ll have red eggs to crack, music,  dance, and good food.  But that comes later.  You will be kept up to date with announcements in the church bulletin—so please stay tuned.

Wishing you a Lenten season of quiet contemplation.

- Ingrid and George (Karnikis)