A Coptic depiction of the last supper. Courtesy of The Coptic Orthodox Church Network: http://www.copticchurch.net/cgibin/gallery/index.php?currDir=./Feasts&pageType=imageℑ=last_supper.jpg
(This is Part 2 of a two part series on veganism and Lent. In Part 1, I explained why I choose to go vegan for Lent and what fasting from animal products means to me, personally, as a Christian. In Part 2, I look at the long history of vegan Lenten fasts among members of the Christian Community.)
Almost everyone is familiar with the Catholic tradition of abstaining from meat on Fridays, but many Christians in the United States aren’t aware of the proud tradition of vegan fasting among members of the Christian community.
An Ethiopian icon of Jesus.
The Coptic Church is one of the oldest Christian Communities in the world, and is particularly known today for the importance that it places on fasting. Coptic Christians generally fast 210 days a year (!), and during these fasting periods they abstain from alcohol, meat, dairy and sexual activity. Not surprisingly, Lent is included as one of their many seasons of fasting.
Even outside of the Coptic Church, African Christians have a strong history of fasting. The Orthodox Church traditionally keeps vegan for Lent, and most Ethiopian Orthodox Christians observe the fast. (One reason why you can always find such amazing vegan food at Ethiopian restaurants!)
My favorite vegan fasting tradition comes from Russia, where
St. Basil's in Moscow is possibly the most well-known Orthodox Cathedral.
Orthodox Christians break their fast on Easter Sunday by eating a sweet cheesecake called Pashka, which literally means ‘Easter’. I know that I’ve been craving cheesecake pretty intensely this Lent, and it’s nice to know that my fellow Christians in Russia have also shared in this experience.
While these churches are extremely diverse culturally, they share a common belief that I’ve always admired about the Orthodox churches, and that is that our bodies and our souls aren’t separate, but are intertwined. Outer observances like fasting (kept within healthy limits) can be used as a way to create inner reflectiveness and peace. The Coptic Orthodox Church Network explains the reason for fasting in this way:
Fasting is not considered a physical exercise, but rather it is an offering of inward love offered by the heart as well as the body.
As they point out, ancient Christians had a strong history of fasting that over time has diminished as many of our cultures have gotten more individualist and materialistic. Personally, I appreciate the increased self-control and reflectiveness that I gain from my vegan fast, and I gain strength thinking about my sisters and brothers around the world who participate similar forms of fasting, as well.
That being said, I can’t wait to eat that Pashka!
To learn more about Christian vegan fasting traditions:
- Read Jim Wallis’ article about why he chose to observe a Daniel Fast for Lent.
- Check out the Coptic Orthodox Church Network’s resource on Coptic fasting.
- Read more about fasting in the Orthodox tradition here
- Finally, check out this fascinating article about how Catholics abstaining from meat on Fridays might improve the US’s carbon footprint.
[...] vegan for Lent and what fasting from animal products means to me, personally, as a Christian. In Part 2, I look at the long history of vegan Lenten fasts among members of the Christian [...]