[Kolokotronis]

Very Orthodox, NYer. I recommend the practice of fasting, along the lines set out in this article and for periods throughout the entire year, to everyone.

[NYer]

Very Orthodox

and ... very Catholic :-)

I recommend the practice of fasting, along the lines set out in this article and for periods throughout the entire year, to everyone.

Each year I have continued some of my lenten practices throughout the year. At this rate, Lent will no longer be a season; it will be a lifestyle ;-]

[Salvation]

The Holy Season of Lent -- Fast and Abstinence

[redgolum]

I know little of the Eastern method of fasting, but it sounds like a great discipline if done in the right heart.

Fasting, if only done because "you have to" or so you can brag to others about how hard it is, isn't what we should do. Fasting (or other forms of self denial) is good if being done to truly bring yourself closer to the Lord.

Lutherans in this country don't have any mandatory fast days, but "giving it up for Lent" and fasting on Wednesdays during Lent is very much encouraged. My current pastor gave a great sermon last year about the proper way of self denial, and the improper way.

Myself, I will be avoiding buying new books and reading more of things like Augustine and Bonhoffer (I am a bibliophile, so not wandering into a book store is very hard for me).