My late Bro-i-l was Greek Orthodox and the Orthodox Lent is very difficult for me. Good thing I’m Latin!
No dairy!
I keep thinking we should go back to having the strictness — let folks know it’s not just a diet but meant to be really giving up something.
No dairy!"
For those of you who are interested in trying to fast through Great Lent as the Orthodox do, remember that none of us run a marathon without training. The Greeks say "sega, sega", slowly slowly. Start out just fasting from meat this year, or even just fasting from meat during the weekdays and regularly attend the devotions which are available to you during the weekdays. They are rich in grace and theology and will help you with your fasting. When you feel that your resolve is faltering, pray simply, "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner". If you stumble at some point, it's OK. Just get up and try again. God doesn't need your fasting and it's no insult to Him if you fail. Fasting is for us and is among the greatest gifts The Church has given us.