There are different measures of advances before communion, a single rule that would be established for all does not exist.
The practice of a three-seven-day post in front of the communion appeared in the 18-19 centuries, during the period of Eucharistic cooling, when people were communched once or twenty, respectively, they fastened about a week.
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Metropolitan Volokolamsky Hilarion:
The rules of the three-day post before the communion does not exist
- Tradition to fast for three days or a week before communion is also the local Russian custom. If we turn to the canons or definitions of the Universal Councils, we will not find such a requirement. Canons talk about posts on Wednesdays and Fridays, about four multi-day posts during the year, in addition, in the liturgical books, we meet an indication of a few more lean days, for example, the day of the court of the head of John the Forerunner or the Holiday of the Cross of the Lord. But in the canons nothing is said about the need to fast for three days or a whole week before communion. It seems to me that the requirements are confessed before each communion and fast for a week or three days arose when the communion became very rare: one or three or four times a year. I consider it a decline. In the ancient church, Christians usually came together every Sunday. I think that in those churches where the communion has become rare, it would be wrong to change the tradition and demand to communicate every Sunday. But I am sure that it is not enough to pass three or four times a year. In practice, very good to start communion every Sunday. Therefore, I will say this: follow the post on Wednesdays and Fridays, refrain also on Saturday evening, confess at least once a month, but we are often coming more often. I recommend this practice to people who are preparing to join the Orthodox. If a person commits once a month or less, I say that it is too rare. If we look at the practice of an ancient church and the teaching of the holy fathers, we will see that they testify to frequent communion. Not only early, but also later fathers, such as the Saint or who lived in the XVIII century, the compiler of "Dobryolism", they speak in favor of frequent communion. And I believe that movement in the Greek Church for frequent communion is a good phenomenon. I welcome when people often come up. I think that the rules for confession and fasting before communion can be changed. But these questions, it seems to me, are within the competence of local churches.
I remember when I just accepted Orthodoxy, about fifty years ago, the priest on the liturgy came out with the bowl and said: "We start up with the fear of God," but no one approached. Nobody was involved. And I still felt: it can not be right. Now, in the West in Orthodox churches, almost all are segged. And I'm glad to this. Of course, we are involved not because they are confident in their own righteousness, but because we believe in the mercy of God. We come to the bowl because we are designed, we call the Communion saints Daras. Communion is not something that you can earn or earn, it is always the free gift of God's love.
- Before the commitors, the priest hurts the "Holy - Holy", in the sense of "Holy Gifts - for those who holy", but then the choir is responsible: "One is Satoly, the Lord Jesus Christ ...". However, we, without being saints in this sense, still daring to commitory ... On the other hand, we know, in the New Testament and in liturgical texts, the saints are called all Christians who are not excited from the Church for especially grave sins. How do the holiness and personal moral perfection of a person correlate in this case?
- First of all, if we talk about the understanding of holiness, you should use three words: one, some, all. One Holy - Jesus Christ. Holiness belongs to God, only he holy by its nature. We can be holy only through the communion of the Holiness of God. Next, we say that the holiness is called everything. When the Apostle Paul addresses his messages to all the saints in Rome, in colossi, etc., he turns to Christian communities. Also, the apostle Peter writes about Christians as a "holy people." In this sense, all Christians are holy. Finally, we are talking about those saints that are glorified by the church and who are marked in the church calendar. We can say the same about the priesthood. Only the High Priest - Jesus Christ, as they say in the message to the Jews. Then, through baptism, all Christians become priests, as the apostle Peter writes, calling Christians not only by the holy people, but also a "royal priesthood." Further, the priests become some - who chose and put on this ministry through the laying down of the hands. Thus, in holiness, and the priesthood has three levels.
We are all called to holiness. Therefore, if I come to the communion, I do it not because I am already holy, but because I am a sinner who requires God's help, which serves in the holy of communion.
Of course, some people because of perfect sins cannot take communion. But mostly, of course, the communion is not a saint award, but assistance for sinners. In some lives, we read that there were such saints that, after the communion, did not proceed again to the cup, as, for example, Holy Maria Egyptian. She fell in the temple of the Holy Sepulcher and then went to the desert, where many years did not take the holy gifts, and then only before the overweight itself.
- But can this be a common rule?
Of course, this is not a general rule. This rule for the saints, which for many years can live in one communion. But we must pass often. Not because we are saints, but since weakness and need help, in grace.
- What is the place of moral perfection in preparation for communion? Many people in Kiev in Kiev are confessed and communioned every week, and at the same time it happens that some of them confessed from the evening, in the morning asking for a confession again, because in the evening or night sinned something - insensitive thoughts, movements Hearts, etc. In addition, many Christians every time, a week for a week, we will confess the same sins. How can I give a promise to confession not to repeat these so-called "casual" sins, if I know for sure that I will do them?
- Too frequent walking in confession can express a kind of superstition. It is worth remembering that the communion is grace, and the devil does not want us to take grace. And so he is looking for any ways to make us cease to pass. When it happens that it is visited by sinful thoughts, which can happen even during the Divine Liturgy, we must simply repent of it inside ourselves and start communion, because it is a devilish temptation.
Grace that is served in the sacrament of repentance is very important for each of us. But we must take responsibility and "play our party". You can not turn the confession into the mechanical listing of the same sins. She must be rare enough to be event, really disclosing your inner state. Every day in the evening prayers we ask for the forgiveness of sins. And if we sincerely pray for forgiveness, God forgives us at the same time. This does not mean that the confession does not need to go. Some of our misconduct prevent the communion as long as we do not confess. But we must seriously refer to the repentant prayers from our daily rule. Confession should not become too frequent. It should be more responsible to approach this. Too frequent walking in confession depreciates it.
We must understand that we really need to confess the same sins again and again. Do not avoid confession for the reason that sins are repeated. Usually overnight we do not become saints. We need a struggle, permanent ascetic effort above yourself. But God's grace makes a change in us. Perhaps we do not notice her, but it happens. With the help of daily efforts, grace of God, confession, and above all, we can move forward - humbly and quiet.
- But it also happens that people are disappointed in their efforts, since they are confessing the same thing, they are involved, and no change for the better for themselves do not observe. It is especially felt in big cities with their bustle, when a person practically does not have time for a spiritual life. Work, a long extinguishing road in traffic jams, family worries ... not everyone finds time even for morning or evening prayers.
- In fact, we, clerics, and especially the monks that do not need to take care of the family and children, we understand the conditions in which family Christians live. People are forced to work a lot, for a long time to get to work and home, and in the evening at home, too, a lot of things need to do ... We must understand these difficult conditions in which many laity live. Despite this, every Christian can find at least a little time in the morning and in the evening to pray before the icon. Even five minutes in the morning and in the evening are of great importance. These minutes set the "direction" of the whole day and give the depth, which is impossible to achieve otherwise. It should be said about short prayers that can be created during the day. We can pray when we take a shower when we are going to the subway, we drive the car or stand in a traffic jam. We can use brief prayers, for example, Jesus: "Lord, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, have a lot of me," or "Glory to you, Lord, thank you," or the "Most Holy Mother of God, save us", or other short prayers. So we can pray even at the most busy time, or, for example, when we go from one place to another. It is very important to see that in addition to the special allotted time for prayer before the icon (which each of us needs), it is possible to pray freely and during the day, anywhere. But if we want to pray during the day, then you need to choose the brief and simple prayers for this, such as Jesus. You can always create prayer Jesus: when we are waiting for something when we travel, go, at the moments of changing tasks at work, etc. The Apostle Paul writes: "Incomprehensively pray." He says that it is very difficult, but begins with a very simple: with frequent short prayers during the day. With the help of such prayers, we can fill all your day the presence of Christ - and this is the way to true prayer. Look for Christ everywhere. Jesus prayer can do not only monks or clerics, but also laity, having families and worldly responsibilities. Create Jesus prayer - not when an increased concentration of attention is required, but in all intermediate moments. We can connect the time of prayer and work. Learning such a method of Jesus prayer is very important in our daily life. And also a Jesus prayer to teach children well. They can repeat Jesus prayer from time to time from early age, because it is very simple.
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Mark, Episcopes Egorievsky, Deputy Chairman of the Department of External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate:
Tradition of a three-day post
The tradition of a three-day post comes from the tradition of the synodal period, when they were communioned once or twice a year. In this situation, it is normal and very good if a person in front of the communion will come 3 days. Today, as a rule, the conformists and priests recommend communion much more often. A kind of contradiction is obtained: people who want to communion often do themselves to almost a permanent post on Thursdays and Saturdays, which becomes for many unbearable feat. If we will not refer to this question with reasoning, it will have a negative impact on the spiritual life of our church.
conducted the priest Andrei Dudchenko, Constantinople-Kiev
There is no obligatory law, how many days to fast before the holy communion
Igumen Watoped Monastery Archimandrite Ephraim
- Tell me, the father, how to prepare for the Holy Communion? In our tradition, we must fast for three days, and the priests will not stand in front of communion. What is explained by such a difference?
"I know that in Russia some priests say that in front of the communion it is necessary to fast for three days, and some are five days. In fact, there is no compulsory law, how many days to fast in front of the holy communion. The proof of this is that the priests will not be obligatory, and then not only communionable the next day, but also serve as Liturgy. After all, we observe the posts defined - four posts per year and posts on Wednesday and Friday, I think that these posts are enough. If someone wants to fast before the communion even a whole week for Askusa, for awe, please, but that this is legalized by the artists - we have never heard about it anywhere. If this were a prerequisite for the communion, firstly, the priests would have to fast. Sometimes they say that Christians need only once every two or three months, there is no such law. When Christian has no fatal sins, he has the right to commitory more often.
fragment of a meeting with the laity in the spiritual and educational center of Yekaterinburg Metropolis
The sacrament of communion (Eucharist) is impossible before pre-post, home prayer and confession. The post allows us to humble your bodily passion, to donate from earthly pleasures, look deep into yourself and approach the realization of sins. Prayer serves as a "bridge" between the physical and spiritual nature of man; It is an additional fortification for the preparation of sincere repentance committed by confession. But everything begins with the post.
In Orthodoxy, one calendar year accounts for four multi-day posts (Great, Petrov, Assumption and Christmas) and a large number of one-day (Wednesday, Friday, the Epiphany Christmas team, the convention of the head of John the Forerunner, the elimination of the Cross of the Lord). With accurate observance of the multi-day post, it is not necessary to quickly fast before communion. The only exception is fish - it is necessary to abandon three days before the sacrament.
Believers who do not comply with the posts established by the Church, at the beginning should talk to the priest who is planned to confess. Admission to the communion is carried out after confession - accordingly, this conversation cannot be avoided. Usually, priests are installed strict (it is allowed to use vegetable food, fresh and boiled, fastened with vegetable oil) three-day post, but depending on the possibilities of a person and others, only by their slave factors, this period can be increased to seven days.
Believers, strictly observing both multi-day and one-day posts, in turn, can count on some relaxation, but they also have to agree with the priest at the beginning. The same applies to people suffering from those or other diseases, and pregnant women: if, by the state of health, they cannot refuse the reception of concrete food and drugs, then at the beginning they should notify the priest and only then begin the post.
Drugs can not be taken before communion, because the communion is the most medicine not only for the soul, but also for the body. Herbal teas, vitamin supplements and ointments during the post are allowed. Forbidden drugs include only drugs used inwards.
The minimum post before communion lasts three days. It implies the refusal of animal origin - meat and dairy products, eggs, butter, alcohol. Smoking people should refuse cigarettes or at least try to do it. During the post, it is advisable to refrain not only from the "prohibited" food, but also from everything that the person gives the pleasure of earthly life - sex, entertainment (discos, theaters, concerts, watching TV, etc.) and any kind of excesses, in including in lean food (post and gluttony - incompatible things!).
On the eve of the communion, starting from twelve hours of the night, it is forbidden to use any food and water. It is also impossible to clean your teeth after midnight. If the communion falls overnight (Christmas, Easter), then a strict post begins to - at least eight hours before the sacrament (in the area of \u200b\u200bfive in the evening).
Many Orthodox go to the communion on Sundays. In this case, the post before commander lasts actually not three, and four days: to the next Thursday, Friday and Saturday joined almost always a lennient environment, with the only difference that the fish is allowed during her. On solid weeks (weeks, when the post-free environments and Friday are canceled) the environment is not expensive, but the post before the communion is still needed.
Children up to seven years are commued without post and confession, but the earlier parents will teach them to abstinence and aware of their sins, the better. You can introduce a child with a post with a refusal of your favorite sweets and cartoons.
The post is not easy when it is impossible to eat, for believers, this is the process of cleansing the soul and body for reunification with God. It is very important to prepare in advance for the post, tune in to it. It is necessary to understand how to quickly fast, so that the abstinence is not harmful to the body, but benefit. Before this has started a special time, it is better to learn more when and that it is impossible to eat during the post
Permitted products
To date, the post is still important for a large number of believers. But new products appeared in the diet, semi-finished products. What of them are allowed?
During the post do not use any products animal origin, and eat lean, the list of which is shown below.
Permitted:
- fruits;
- vegetables;
- nuts;
- ceres.
Some think that at this time should be hungry, but this conclusion is wrong. Of course, it is not recommended to overeat, but all the permitted products can be found in moderate quantities during the day. In non-strict days, there is a fish and bread, mushrooms and legumes. Sweets can be resolved. For example, you can eat honey and halva.
Forbidden products
Under the strict ban there are all products containing protein animal origin. Thus, in strict days it is forbidden to eat fish, eggs and any milk-containing products. However, in non-strict days, it is allowed to use these products in a lean form.
Great post should not be used, fried food. Basically eat raw vegetables and fruits, as well as a variety of pickles.
Do not:
- chocolate;
- bakery products;
- meat;
- eggs;
- cottage cheese;
- milk;
- candy;
- white bread.
Cannot be used in strict days pasta, tea with sugar or coffee. Products with vegetable oil.
One-day posts
Many people besides the Great 40 Day Post, adhere to abstinence into one-day posts. They pass every week on Wednesday and Friday. It is these days that it is believed that it is necessary to clean the body and the soul to gain peace. As well as such prevention is very useful for the body, since in fact it is unloading days recommended by all nutritionists for the prevention and treatment of excess weight and diseases of the digestive tract.
All fruits and vegetables are allowed, as well as fish. Berries and mushrooms, any pickles are allowed to use. Replace the meat with soy semi-finished products. All dishes must be boiled or stew, fried is prohibited. And also can not drink alcohol and sweet carbonated drinks.
Participle
As you know, before the communion it is necessary to observe the post for three days. It will prepare the body and soul, cleanse and will allow you to touch the sacrament of confession and communion. Children up to seven years are allowed to the communion without complying with the post and confession. But you should explain the child's meaning of this rite, instill love for faith and church rites. It is important to know what you can eat before the time for 3 days adults to be ready to be ready for the sacrament. This event is especially important for any believer. You are cleaned not only by the body, but also in the post in front of communion.
What you can eat, list of products:
- Any nuts and dried fruits.
- Bitter chocolate and kozinaki.
- Porridge from a variety of croup.
- Fish and vegetables.
It is very important to try at least for this time to refrain from the use of alcohol, fatty and meat products, highly calorie foods. And also for smokers will be worth it to abandon smoking. The main thing is, it is impossible to rule the black thoughts and to succumb to temptations. This applies not only to food, but also pastime. It is recommended to hold your leisure on these days with close people and reading books. Enrich itself spiritually, refraining from noisy celebrations, festivities and festivities.
Sample menu
So that food in the post was not only useful, but also tasty, it is best to make an approximate menu at all time post. So, it is much easier to navigate when buying products, and cooking dishes will reveal for you from an unexpected side, when even the most simple foods with skillful use will become a delicious dish.
A balanced menu in which there is all the necessary vitamins and trace elements will help you not only clean the body and soul during the Great Post period, but also to benefit the body.
Breakfast
Fruits or dried fruits with nuts
Dinner
Vegetable soup and potato pancakes, rice garnish with mushrooms.
Dinner
Black bread and vegetable stew
From drinks it is preferable to drink mors or compote. You can have tea without sugar.
Benefit or harm
Why at this time it is so important to comply with the prescriptions in the use of certain products. First, so you abstain from various temptations, training the fortress of the Spirit. Secondly, the benefits of post was proven by nutritionists. But you need to take into account that immediately go to the landing menu can be difficult, which is why it is necessary to gradually exclude products from the diet, trying to refrain for several days. Do not stand at this time to argue yourself with hunger, as it will not bring any benefit or physical nor spiritual development.
- The weight is reduced.
- Improves metabolism.
- Displays toxins and slags from the body.
- Lowering cholesterol levels.
- The blood sugar decreases.
It is contraindicated to fasting pregnant women, elderly people and people with chronic diseases of the digestive system. And it is also impossible to abide abstinence after operations and patients with diabetes mellitus, children under seven years old.
Confession and communion for many people is a way to restore spiritual equilibrium, it will be cleaned, to get closer to God.
There is no accurate rule that determines the need for communion or confession, so truly believers try to pass the communion every Sunday.
In this regard, the question arises: what actions should make a person on the eve of this event.
Does it be sure to fast before confession and communion?
There are no accurate instructions regarding preparation for communion or confession. Certain customs are distinguished, which are followed by people in front of church actions.
Customs arose in the Eucharist period and are considered relevant to the modern church.
In this regard, the following canons arose:
- Before communion, confession is required.
- Communion is performed on an empty stomach, it is impossible from midnight.
- Per day observe the married abstinence.
How to fast before confession and communion?
The post before communion causes many disputes among believers. Before communion, it is impossible not only to eat a certain time, but also smoking, drinking, glooming, arguing, use the Internet, watch TV and read press.
On the eve of confession and communion you need to read prayers.
And use certain products, as well as in moderate quantity - without excesses:
- Eat five times a day and hold the water balance.
- Use boiled, raw vegetables with minimal salt adding.
- The best side dishes are porridge without butter.
- Fruits and fruit decractions should be the main dessert.
It is necessary to improve spiritually and emotionly in the days of the post. During meals to enrich yourself with positive emotions and thoughts.
How many days do you need to keep the post?
In addition, it is not all possible on the eve of confession and communion, such a deduction should continue a certain time.
Each canon determines the time lapse of different, so it is better to consult with a spiritual mentor, which will carry out the procedure.
Possible time frames:
- Strict The unconditional post is respected during the day before confession and communion.
- Ideally It is worth keeping a three-day post in front of church procedures of such a direction.
- Best An option will be the execution of generally accepted posts, which are indicated in the canons of the Orthodox Church.
Note! In the process of compliance with the post, you should not resort to extremes - the exhausted body and the mind are not welcome.
People who are rarely involved, must comply with a mandatory post with passing reading the main prayer. The additives should stick to the post and in terms of entertainment, thoughts and statements.
What can not be in the post before communion?
Hold the post stands with the mind. It is worth considering the generally accepted post, which the believers should adhere to.
Attention! Fish can not be eaten only in those days of abstinence in food, when they coincide with the main Orthodox post - during the rest of the period this product can be eaten.
Moderation must be respected not only in limiting products, but also in portions. You need to eat as much as you need to meet the needs of the body - to overeat it is categorically impossible.
What you can eat:
| Products | What should be the food | Certain recommendations |
| Vegetables | Vegetables can be boiled or fresh. It is better not to use canned or sauer vegetables. | Boiled vegetables serve as an addition to the garniram. Fresh vegetable salads can be quite an independent dish. |
| Fruits | Canned fruits are excluded. Food is used exclusively fresh products | Fruits can serve a snack, replace desserts for sweet tooths. Walnuts will become more nutritional |
| A fish | Fish low-fat varieties. It is worth considering spawning seasons. Do not use fish with caviar | Fish should be boiled or baked in the oven. Do not use spices and salt in huge quantities |
| Beverages | You can not use smoked dried fruits. Tea, coffee, cocoa are not included in the list of letters. The best option will be water | Compote and decoctions should not be sweet, the natural taste of components must be maintained. |
| Bakery products | The ideal option will be the bread with the addition of oats and other cereals | Summarkers from any bread can be used as dessert and for snack. Supliks from Borodino bread add to salad |
Post for pregnant and children
Observe the post before confession and the communion can not be all and not in all situations.
- For pregnant women Compliance with the restrictions in food is completely excluded by the Church.
It is better for future mothers about spiritual and emotional enrichment, which should be continued during the whole pregnancy.
- Children Up to five years, it is also better not to resort to the restrictions in food. With the baby it is worth a conversation, tell about the sacrament of confession and communion, familiarize with the traditions and rules of the rite.
- People Which adhere to therapeutic diets or suffering from certain diseases, adhere to restrictions in food is not necessarily, and sometimes completely categorically.
If in the process of "starvation" there were signs of malaise or poor well-being, then it is worth returning to the usual diet and conduct an on an empty stomach.
Useful video
- Related records
The post is a very complex subject of a stumbling block between believers and the modern world. To date, there are three different versions of the destination "Lean" days. The first, and the most important point of view belongs to the church itself, or rather the priests that characterize any post as an abstinence test, thanks to which you can partially redeem your own sins in front of the Lord.
The second group of people believes that the Great Post, Ramadan, Petrov Post and other events of this kind are intended solely for the recovery of our body, and not to purify the soul. Well, finally, the third group of people does not consider it necessary to fast, explaining that all posts are very limited to man.
What categories of people you do not belong to, we will not see you to persuade and decline to whose point of view. Just now many people want to follow all the rules of "Lean" days, one for cleansing the soul, others just for rehabilitation. But as soon as the Great, Petrov post or Ramadan is suitable, people do not know how to quickly fast, so they postpone this procedure until the next time. How to fast? Do you need to observe the post before communion or confession? We will try to answer these and other questions today. Let's proceed.
The value of "lean" days for a person is very ambiguous. According to the ministers of churches, along with spiritual growth for a person, new, unfamiliar, unfamiliar aspects and spiritual aspects are opening. It is very important that the former meanings of such purification remain unchanged, but they are gradually complemented by new, higher values.
For most people who only entered this path, that is, they first observe, whether the great, Petrov post, Ramadan, or just eat the "right" food for the Church in Good Friday and Wednesday, this event is solely the character of some kind of cathedral solidarity.
People will fast together with the church in order to feel Her Particle, connect in it together and experience the same feelings that many hermits experienced, the saints and Jesus himself, who had spent the month before their ministry, more precisely forty days alone with himself in Desert place.
And only when a person forgets about the formalities of all existing commandments, he begins to truly fight his passions. It is a genuine faith, and not a herd feeling, "forces" a person to re-understand its preferences and arrange new priorities.
Not one month will pass, when a person starts to notice that the Great and Petrov post, Ramadan and other "Long-carry" days bring some positive changes in His soul, which subsequently help strengthen their Spirit.
Check-in time is not only exemption from negative thoughts, but also the feeling of lightness that the body acquires during the cleansing of lented food. And now the post is not a kind of trial on the way to spiritual life, but a reliable assistant.
How should a lean menu look like?
Observe "Long-carry" days or not - this is the right of every person. According to the same principle, the degree of nutrition restrictions is observed, which directly depends on the person itself and the advice of its spiritual mentor.
For all Orthodox people, there is such a landmark so to speak, which is represented by the monastic charter. It contains clear prescriptions, for a whole year, where it is painted every month and day: what can be eating, observing Ramadan, Great and Petrov, as the menu should look like on Friday and Wednesday (church days). And even more, from the charter you can find out what to do before communion.
But despite the unity of this document, the severity of posts in all Orthodox churches is different. When in some monasteries, the Great and Petrov post is the use of only bread, vermicelli and potatoes, whereas in others - real dishes are served (of course, from launch food).
All people who have complex chronic diseases can be made some relaxation. This also applies to pregnant women, since such a way of life can adversely affect the full formation of the future kid. Also the Great and Petrov Post, Ramadan, the Last Wednesday and Friday is allowed not to comply with military personnel who are not able to independently organize their own diet.
What should you refuse during posts?
It is believed that the most stringent are the first four days of the post and its last week (and no matter, Ramadan is or a great post). According to the Charter, it is also important to comply with a kind of diet to any environment of the year, and it is worth abandoning any food to everyday Friday.
How to stand to start post, so it's with the knowledge of the prohibitions, from which directly depends on how to fast.
So, in the great, Petrov post, in Ramadan and other "Long-carry" days (Wednesday, Friday and Monday) are forbidden to drink alcohol, smoking and making love.
Also, spiritual mentors categorically prohibit the use of bad words in speech, to show aggression, slander and perform an oath. It is important to remember that each post is, above all, the cleansing of the soul, and not the body, as it is considered. And it's not worth forget about it, since it is necessary to withstand a month - will be able to follow, but the spiritual prohibitions are observed - not everyone.
As for food, which can not be eaten on Wednesday, Good Friday, Great and Petrov Post and Ramadan, then under the ban 
fall:
- foods of animal origin - meat, fish, fermented milk products, eggs and others;
- alcohol-containing drinks, with the exception of red wine (on holidays and resurrection);
- meat and dairy products made from soybean and its substitutes;
- coffee, tea and other drinks that have an invigorating effect;
- all sorts of sauces, seasonings, spices that improve the taste of food.
At first glance, it may seem that the list of forbidden foods is not so big, but all these products make up the lion's share in the diet of each of us.
The Orthodox Church is not a community of high-class doctors. The clergyman and can not know everything, especially this applies to new-fashioned food products, which only "came" in our diet. For example, most seafood (mussels, shrimps, squid, etc.) - are not considered fish products, then, as it is known that they are all natural aphrodisiacs, thanks to which the sexual attraction increases.
Therefore, in front of a person there is a choice that he must overcome himself, based on its own prejudices. You can independently make a decision, use one or another product in "Long-carry" days. Observe whether the "hungry" passionate Friday and stick to the diet on Wednesday is also an exceptionally your decision.
People who are first fasting, spiritual mentors do not advise to observe the post of a month. Initially, you can only be limited to communion, then refuse your favorite dishes, from meat and so on. Next, you can try to "organize the spiritual environment" by correcting your own menu. And not one month will pass, before a person will be able to fully comply with the fullests of Ramadan, Great and Petrov's rules.
As a rule, a person who truly leads the Orthodox lifestyle is already waiting for this time interval to get God's blessing and clean his body and soul.
Basic principles of food regime in the days of the post
Of course, food that is allowed by the monastic charter during compliance with any post less nutrient and calorie compared to ordinary food, which should not be in the diet.
And in order to not be harder to harm your own organism and to replenish the stocks of vital energy in a timely manner, it is worth increasing food consumption. However, it is necessary to make it extremely carefully, since one of the most important rules of the post: "Do not leave the dining table with a feeling of full fools and gravity in the stomach" - should not be disturbed.
And in order to solve the current situation, it is only necessary to increase the number of food meals, that is, if you have eaten 3 times a day before it, now there must be five-volume nutrition. But it is not necessary to do it. If you do not have the need to increase the volume of food (you feel good, there is no feeling of hunger, etc.), then it is not necessary to do this.
It is very important to organize your power mode: meals must be strictly at the appointed time. It is believed that the demons are trying to desecrate the human soul, inciting in it an imaginary feeling of hunger.
It is for this reason that food should be used strictly on schedule. And besides, it will help to teach your body to the regime, which is very important in organizing the right and healthy lifestyle.
To make it easier to abandon the usual rapid food, you can spend some samotraning: tell me that these food products are very harmful, they not only defile your soul, but also "littered" the body, preventing a full-fledged life and.
Many experts are resorted to this method when it is necessary to exclude patient's dietary food for medical testimony.
Remember why vegetarians do not eat animal products. The refusal of such food is based on the fact that the animals are subject to violence and even killings. And all this so that the person can just sit down and eat.
If desired, a person will be able to find a lot of arguments to abandon forbidden food during the post. If you force yourself for a whole month to stick to the post, then it will not be that it will not be clear from it: the body is not cleaned, but there is no speech about the soul.
The benefits of the post and what can be eaten during it
Now let's talk about food products that can be led in your menu during any post, as well as in front of the communion.
The abundance of dishes and products simply amazes and inspires respect. All kinds of home preservation (marinated vegetables, fruits, berries, pickles and savings), fresh and freshly frozen e vegetables, fruits, berries and mushrooms, jam, jams, all kinds of nuts, legumes, dried fruits, natural spices, greens, lean sweets and confectionery Products, which can be purchased at any store.
The list of allowed food can be supplemented with both crops, pasta and bakery (non-propulsive) products. During the post, sugar sand can be added to drinks, but on Wednesday, Friday, and before the communion it is better to replace it with honey.
So, regardless of the amount of food consumed, your diet will always be balanced and correct. Many nutritionists argue that a sharp refusal of meat and fish products for a month and more can provoke a decrease in the level of vitamins and trace elements, so before the "post" days it is necessary to choose herbal products that will be able to fill the deficit of these substances.
Sources of protein
Replace protein substances that go into our body with meat and fish can be added, adding beans, peas, sunflower seeds, all kinds of nuts, dried fruits, and of course, mushrooms that contain a lot of protein.
Cooking dishes from all the above products, you can easily fill the daily protein rate. And besides, vegetable food does not contain "bad" cholesterol and fats that the meat is so replete.
There are such "lean" days that allow fish consumption. However, only fish of non-fat varieties is allowed to enter into its diet, the meat of which has white. At the same days you can eat and seafood. As for the naval cabbage, it can be available on any day of the post, as well as in front of communion.
In addition to everything, if a whole month is eating a marine cauldron, you can fill out not only the supply of protein substances, but also saturate the body with vital iodine and other, equally important trace elements.
Sources of fat
To ensure a full-fledged substitution of fat with vegetable oils:
- olive;
- sunflower;
- linen;
- peanut;
- rapeseed;
- cedar;
- corn.
These oils can easily replace animal fats during the post. It is extremely important to enter unrefined oils into its diet, since they contain all the useful substances, while all the familiar "oil without smell" will only clog the body.
Sources of carbohydrates
Due to the wide range of vegetables, croup, fruit and vermicelli, during the post, the body is saturated exclusively "slow" carbohydrates, which are not converted into fat cells, and provide our body with all the necessary substances for a full-fledged life and.
As for the "fast" carbohydrates, which also need our body, but only in smaller quantities, they can "get" from honey, jam and other lean sweets. The main thing is a sense of measure.
If for a whole month, to exclude meat from your menu, then this can lead to a deficiency of iron in the body, which is very detrimental to affect health. You can get this substance from nuts, berries, pumpkins, rosehip, celery, Bulgarian pepper and greenery (parsley, kinse and dill).
Thanks to beets, carrots, nuts, apples, honey, spinach, grenade and raisin you can fill out not only iron deficiency, but also other useful substances in which our body needs.
And at the end I would like to add - do not perceive the "Lean" days as a tough diet. They are given to us to strengthen the spirit and the body. Take any post as a panacea that will help you clean not only the soul, but also the body from all kinds of bad savings.
I sincerely wish you strong spirit and health!