Day 1 of the 2012 Great Lent: The Genesis of Great Lent 2012

This is the beginning of Great Lent (Μεγάλη Σαρακοστή).  Although the official start is on Clean Monday (Καθαρά Δευτέρα), we prepare for it starting with the Sunday of the Prodigal Son.  That was last week.  Since there was no fasting for that week, we really start to think about Great Lent when we reach today -- Meatfare Sunday.


As of today, we no longer eat meat or fish until Pascha.  (Yes, there are two days that we will be allowed to have fish, but only those two days!)  We are still able to eat dairy products and cheese, but only for this week.  It's comforting knowing that we remove one things at a time -- sort of a slow transition. That makes the transition easier for us mentally, and maybe even physically, too.  What many people may not realize is that the Orthodox Fasting calendar and schedule are good for our health -- physical and spiritual.  This is the time that we should focus more on our spiritual health by limiting what we give our bodies for physical health.  


So, from now until April 15 -- no meat.  That's not that big of a deal for some people, but if you are a "meat and potatoes" person, then the whole concept of fasting seems like such a challenge.  But, that is why we are here.  To help the M&P folks find their own meatless gourmet within.  And, we know that in today's world, there is more choice for those who are going meatless for other reasons (not religious).


OK, so what is "gourmet" for Lent?  Well, even though we are trying to follow the most strict fast, which limits which foods we eat, as well as the amount of food we eat, there is room for us to make and enjoy beautiful, healthy, filling, economical foods that you would be proud to serve to company now or any time of year.  


This blog is a work in progress.  Stay with us for the "40" days of fasting (more about the "40" days on a later post, as the fasting period is actually longer) as we focus on the Orthodox traditions that carry us every year to Easter.  We will explore foods that you can eat and enjoy in today's world through Great Lent (and any other fasting period), including foods made at home, at restaurants, take-out, and fast foods, using basic, easy-to-find ingredients.  We will include information about our Greek Orthodox faith, since that is what guides us each day.  Lastly, we will share some recipes and photos so you, too, can find your inner gourmet during this period.  We welcome your comments, feedback, and recipes to let us know how you are doing with a temporarily Vegan lifestyle with our lenten foods (νηστίσιμα φαγητά). We look forward to this this test of faith, and we look forward to sharing it with you.  

For specific outlines of what is permitted or not permitted, please see this clear explanation:  http://home.wavecable.com/~photios/fasting.htm

From St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 8:8-13; 9:1-2

Brethren, food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. Only take care lest this liberty of yours somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if any one sees you, a man of knowledge, at table in an idol's temple, might he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? And so by your knowledge this weak man is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. Thus, sinning against your brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food is a cause of my brother's falling, I will never eat meat, lest I cause my brother to fall.