Today is the Feast of the Annunciation, which is the commemoration of
when Archangel Gabriel told the Panagia (All Holly Mother of God) that she was
going to bear a son, and He would save the world. The Greek word of the Feast
is Ευαγγελισμός
which translates to “Good News” from which ultimately we receive the word
Gospel. The Feast is always during Great Lent and is celebrated by easing the
fast, and fish is allowed.
For many American Orthodox Christians for whom the Great Lent fast is limited
only to meat, today’s sense of celebration is lost. “Why do we eat fish? I
thought we were supposed to be celebrating?” are the two common questions I
hear. It wasn’t until recently (past twenty years or so) Greek Orthodox
parishes in America stopped hosting steak dinners for Greek Independence Day,
also celebrated today. Many still can be heard complaining the Church is
forcing them to fast when they should be celebrating.
This is one prime example of how the understanding and appreciation of
the Orthodox Christian Faith can be lost if the Faith is not being fully
practiced. For those attempting the strict fast during Great Lent, the offering
of fish today is a delight to the stomach and tongue. It becomes a genuine
celebration. When we embrace the idea of feasts AND fasts on the Church
calendar, then we appreciate both. You cannot feast unless you fast, just as
you can’t have joy without sorrow. Today is a feast, so express with joy and celebrate
with a fish sandwich at the very least. The fast will continue again tomorrow,
though as with last weekend, oil will be allowed. Until then....enjoy the
feast.
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