After the Union collapsed and atheism preached by its ideology passed into the past, interest in Orthodoxy greatly increased. However, many of his traditions were forgotten, if only because there was no one to pass on to the next generation the essence of church rites, and some are embarrassed to ask questions in the church. Although most of the new believers have a general idea of the meaning and rules of fasting, many still have doubts as to whether it is possible to drink wine in fasting.
The main provisions of abstinence
First of all, these days are not a diet for weight loss. When a person fasts, he refuses something he is used to, without which he will have to do with certain efforts. It is in this work on oneself that lies the deep meaning of abstinence. Of course, there is a list of certain foods that are prohibited (rather, not recommended) for consumption these days - meat, milk, eggs ... But at the same time, women are burdensome, sick, travelers, small children and those people who work physically, observe church rules in a very soft version. For example, children receive a complete diet, otherwise there is a risk of growth retardation, rickets, and decreased immunity. But these days they must refuse, for example, from sweets or limit themselves to cartoons. It is by such methods that reasonable parents explain to posterity the inner essence of fasting.
Church Allowed Days
Those adults who are interested in whether it is possible to drink wine in fasting should remember that drunkenness, in principle, is not approved by religion. Alcohol use is addictive, and this is deeply condemned by the Church.
However, just the fault of the charter is milder. Dry red wine symbolically means the Blood of Christ. They even receive communion in church services. There are days on which it is permitted to drink wine in fasting. When is it possible? On holidays in strict fasting there are two of them: December 4 and 19. However, you can - does not mean "in the trash." A glass of two, to glorify the Lord - and enough. And those who are prone to abuse, but sincerely believe, generally should refrain.
Some converts believe that fasting wine is acceptable on Saturdays and Sundays. This is not entirely consistent with church rules. Although a purely folk tradition allows the opportunity to take alcohol on the weekend.
By the way, not only wine
The principles set forth in relation to raising a child who is strictly contraindicated to fast are also true for adults. Why, then, there is only one question: is it possible to drink wine in fasting? Desperate coffee lovers should ask such a question about their favorite drink. It is also addictive, although not as harmful as alcohol. It is also difficult to do without it in the morning. So to be honest, a believer who wants to fast sincerely must also refuse coffee. Moreover, with a limited assortment of what is allowed, the body is inevitably rebuilt and somewhat weakened. So the lack of coffee will not only temper your willpower, but will also benefit the vessels in the first place.
The restriction is the same as for food. If you rush at others without meat (or coffee), you don’t need to completely abandon the habit. It is better to drink a cup of drink than to bite off a piece of good mood from a wife, husband, brother, child, and even a neighbor. Fasting should be bright, not evil.
Relaxation in wine drinking
As with food, there are exceptions to the problem of whether you can drink wine in fasting. First of all, they relate to health. If you donated blood on fasting days , then a chocolate bar and a glass of red dry wine is the doctor’s recommendation. And in order not to delay the recovery process for a long time (especially when food is limited), it is better to follow this advice.
Often, wine is prescribed with a weakened body, anemia, to maintain immunity. Mulled wine treats many colds that begin. In such cases, everyone already decides for himself whether it is possible to drink wine in fasting. Modern medicine still offers a huge variety of drugs for the vast majority of diseases. Sincerely fasting for sure among this abundance will find something that does not contain alcohol.
Second excuse excuse: job requirements. There are times when a meeting with a business partner is scheduled in a restaurant. Flaunt your faith in front of an outsider and do not want to explain. But if you drink wine in fasting in such a situation, you obviously will not get pleasure from it, so there is no particular sin.
However, now the traditions of the nineties with restaurants, saunas and barbecue with vodka in the reserved forest are almost gone. Of course, foreign partners are not always aware of Orthodox dates and customs, but they usually treat church institutions with understanding, since most of them are believers themselves.
And what about the holiday?
Yes, and on fasting days there are birthdays, weddings (although this is not approved by the church, but we live in a secular state, and not everyone is completely believing), anniversaries, or baptism. It is customary for people to celebrate all these events, and libations are an integral part of the celebration. Is it possible to drink wine in fasting in such cases? This is a matter of consciousness, responsibility, willpower and faith. If a little, just to indicate your unity with the celebrants, then, probably, you can. And do not want to break your post - get behind the wheel, and you won’t have to explain anything.
The main thing for fasting is to remember that the rules of fasting are not a set of prison regulations. These are tips and tricks whose goal is purification. How much to follow, each measures on its own. In the power you strictly observe all the code - observe. No - do everything in your power and do not blame yourself for your inability to do more. Over time, maybe even ascetic exploits will become available to you. However, try to abstain from drinking in fasting.