Family relationships are vital and should be close. Healthy relationships take work, and that with our oldest daughter is no exception! We’re each Christian, but she’s a member of the Greek Orthodox Church (my wife Joanne and I are non-denominational Protestants). During Lent, Greek Orthodox members practice fasting, studying, giving, and praying. We believe in those activities, too. So, we decided to join our daughter in Greek Orthodox Lent activities this year for spiritual discipline and relationship. I’ll share that journey in a two-part reflection. But, first, here’s a glimpse into the history of Orthodoxy and Lent for background.

Orthodox History. Orthodox is a compound Greek word meaning “correct doctrine.” Why the claim? Its history began with the apostles and the earliest Church. So, practices and traditions tended to mirror New Testament doctrine and life. However, liturgies, rituals, and mysteries still present in Orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism, and some mainstream Protestant churches crept in and framed religious practices. So, what groups make up Orthodoxy, sometimes called “Eastern Orthodoxy?”

Eastern Orthodox comprised five patriarchates during the first several centuries: Eastern Rome, Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem. Although Eastern Orthodox is sometimes called “Greek” Orthodox, there are differences in religious nuances and worship between an Eastern Orthodox church practicing Antiochian Orthodoxy and one adhering to Greek Orthodoxy. Nonetheless, Orthodoxy was first and laid the foundation for Roman Catholicism and Protestantism.

Roman Catholicism developed when differences between East and West fractured Orthodox unity. Significant issues included whether the heavenly Father alone or Father and Son give the Holy Spirit, icons in worship, and Pope issues such as infallibility. There was a clear division between East and West by the eleventh century. What about Protestantism? Protestors like John Calvin and Martin Luther were Roman Catholic. So, it makes sense that similar structures, practices, and liturgies entered Protestantism. What about the practice of Lent?

Lent. This one’s easy: the religious practice with no biblical mandate was formalized in the fourth century. Regardless of its purely religious nature, Lent compels many Christians to give, pray, study, and fast for 40 days before Easter. Let’s look at Lent Greek Orthodox style.

The Stuff of Greek Orthodox Lent. I appreciate that Greek Orthodoxy celebrates Jesus’ resurrection (Pascha) after the Jewish Passover. This year, Pasha will occur on May 5^th, following 40 days of Lent. Warning: Greek Orthodox Lent isn’t for the faithless, lazy, or faint-hearted! Alcohol is typically disallowed during the week. And the food fast is strict (usually no meat, fish, oil, wine, dairy, or eggs). Each day heralds prayers and Scripture readings, and charity remains critical to Orthodox Christians (as it should for all!).

Praying, giving, studying, and fasting during Lent is of Christian importance. How are Joanne and I faring during our Orthodox Lent journey? Find out in the second part of this two-parter! Until then, at least study, pray, and give!

Blessings and peace,

Dr. Ron Braley, MDiv, DMin.