People these days do not just think about God. They rush to him spiritually, trying as much as possible to adapt their lives to the rules indicated by the canons of faith. Sooner or later, everyone comes to the need to observe Lent. For a layman, the demand is complex, sometimes exorbitant. Especially if you focus on the monastery charter. However, not everything is as it seems. Let's figure it out.
The meaning of the post
You must understand that refusing food is not a diet, let alone a punishment.
Lent should be a time of spiritual purification in the first place for the layman. This is an opportunity to isolate oneself, to break away from the current desire for consumption, which is widespread in modern times. Advertising and variety of goods sometimes push out from the minds the very realization of the Lord. A Great Lent for a layman may be an opportunity to leave this "constant race for benefits." Indeed, happiness, as almost everyone finds out, does not depend on material wealth. To understand this, to realize with the heart - is the goal of Lent. It should also be understood that its rules, of course, are defined quite clearly. Nevertheless, there are many “concessions” that those who wish to use. This is not a "loophole for the sly." Rather, they are the grace of the Lord for those who are not strong in spirit, and indeed in body. Just do not approach with despondency to this peculiar test. The Great post was not invented for this at all. The rules for the laity are not strict. In any case, a person will not die of hunger, but he will have time for reflection.
Not by statute, but by conscience
If you ask the clergyman what Great Lent means for a layman, then, as a rule, he will begin to speak not about products, but about the soul. For example, when talking about various charters, the ministers of the Temple often mention the monastery, as well as the Typicon. The fact is that various groups of believers interpreted in their own way the rules set forth in the Holy Scriptures.
Monks who give the Lord all their thoughts are required to observe fasting very strict. This is not required of the laity. Yes, they are prescribed some restrictions. But all of them are connected more with the work of the spirit, and not with the oppression of the stomach. Father Superior Alipiy of Kiev made the following conclusion: according to conscience, you need to fast, then the Lord will accept your efforts and bless. Disagreeable to the Almighty norms and rules. It is more important for him when a believer manages to instill in himself repentance, to lighten his soul with love for his neighbor. That is, the soul aspires to the Lord, and does not torment itself with hunger.
How laity keep Lent
Let's talk about the specific rules of Pentecost. First of all, we will touch on strict prohibitions. They relate to meat, alcohol, oil. You should also refrain from confectionery, that is, sweets, cakes, cakes, rolls and the like. All this is done in order for the soul to work, abide without "bodily pleasures." Although some concessions are still provided.
So, on certain days it is allowed to serve fish, caviar and vegetable oil to the table. You will say that observing Lent is a nightmare for the laity. This is actually not the case. After all, there are much more allowed products than prohibited products. And more importantly, they are much tastier and healthier, only we with our habits forgot about it.
What can i eat
It is allowed to serve cereals and vegetables, fruits in fresh and dried form. Many people find it difficult to give up meat. So, it is perfectly replaced by mushrooms! There are four of them allowed. Proteins will help to fill the nuts. Nowadays there are many of them, both their own and “overseas”. While you try everything, forget about the restrictions. The same goes for fruits. Interestingly, during fasting, many people change their taste preferences. Then they chew dried fruits, candied fruits and nuts with great pleasure than sweets and chocolates. For some, a revelation becomes a lot of dishes that are prepared from vegetables. In addition, cheeses are allowed. Most often, recommend non-greasy. But there are a huge number of them. Buy feta cheese or hard varieties. Thus, you will completely forget about meat.
By the way, there is no mention of seafood in charters. In some
monasteries in Cyprus, for example, they are served on weekends and holidays. Therefore, the laity can also.
About bread
When compiling a menu for the days of Lent, try to make it diverse. By the way, this is quite simple. But strict rules should also be considered. They primarily relate to bread. People with normal health are not allowed white flour. That is, bread should be bought (oven) rye or from coarse grains. There are no problems with this in stores. The current industry offers many options: with bran, and with nuts, and with grain. Choose to your taste. But the white loaf should be abandoned. On the other hand, he is fasting to limit himself to the glory of the Lord! Exceptions to the rules are made only for small children and patients. They are allowed to eat meat and other dishes. There is supreme justice in this, you should not risk your health, the Lord does not require such a sacrifice from anyone.
Lent Calendar
You will be able to make one yourself. It should be remembered that on the first day they abstain from food in general. And then alternate cooked food with raw. On weekends, it is allowed to flavored dishes with vegetable oil. In addition, Palm Sunday is not forbidden to feast on a fish. However, laity such diversity (seafood, caviar) are allowed on Saturdays too. People with digestive problems (which are almost all of our contemporaries) can skip raw food recommendations. Therefore, we get that every weekday you can normally eat vegetables and cereals without oil, mushrooms and fruits. On weekends, add vegetable fats and fish to the diet. You ask, when can you eat cheese? It depends on the severity of the post. The monastic charter generally recommends doing without them. Tipicon allows dairy only on weekends. The laity should look at their health. Remember: fasting according to conscience, not according to the charter. Suffer from a lack of protein or monotonous diet - regale yourself with cheese or feta cheese every other day (from the second). The Lord did not forbid this. And it’s better to direct more attention into yourself. Pray - and the answers to all questions will come directly from the Lord. And that will be the most correct!