The question of fast food interests not onlyonly new converts, but also those who believe for many years and seemingly well studied church rules and regulations. The fact is that many products, which until relatively recently could only be read in a historical novel, have become available, and it is not always clear whether they are lean or fast. For example, many believers are interested in the question of whether shrimp are eaten in fasting.
In principle, the precepts of the Old Testament concernedJews. However, it is also part of Christianity, and its establishment, it would seem, must also be observed by churchmen who are Christians. So, the Old Testament in this respect is very categorical. Is it possible to shrimp in fasting? Yes, in any case, and on ordinary days they are prohibited. The main permissive feature for aquatic animals was the presence of scales. And it's just that there is no shrimp. Therefore, they were considered unclean animals and were not consumed in food.
However, the apostle Peter received a vision in whichhe was told that people's eating habits should not be an obstacle to baptism. Therefore, at the council of the apostles in Jerusalem it was decided that non-Jews should not abandon their culinary traditions. And in everyday life, the use of the same baptized Greeks or Romans by sea inhabitants is not considered a sin. But whether it is possible to shrimp in the post - it's quite another.
When Orthodoxy was developing, the "marine reptiles" in the diet were absent as a class. Therefore, there is no clear indication in this respect.
Because Greek cuisine is widely usedshellfish, crabs, shrimps (in the Greek church there is even a special name for them - "cherepokozhie"), then in solving the problem, can shrimp in the post, it is better to focus on their rules. These products in the Greek tradition are allowed on the same days when lean oil is allowed. This is fixed in Nomocanon, and such a rule is perfectly suited to resolve your doubts.
As for other products, it exists onthe first and the Passion Week, in which it is supposed to eat only vegetarian, vegetarian food. In addition, if you fast by all the rules, do not forget that on Monday, Wednesday and Friday on the table, too, should be only cereals, vegetables and fruits. Since seafood is clearly not a vegetable origin, these days they are not served.
It should be noted that in different parishes it is not the samelook at the eating of the "captives". Some pastors believe that shrimp in fasting can be eaten in so-called fish days. Others firmly and uncompromisingly prohibit them at all, as traditionally oysters, crabs and shrimps were considered a luxury, not aimed at satisfying hunger, but in appeasing gluttony. If you look at seafood at such an angle, they really do not have a place on the lean table.
However, many Athonite monasteries allow monksthere are marine reptiles during the fast. Similarly, there are some Russian monasteries. So, probably, for laypeople, all the more so, it's not a sin to try the "half-baked" ones. However, if you still doubt whether shrimps can be fastened, consult the priest of your ward. If you can not solve this question for yourself, follow his advice.
Finally it can be said that the shrimp in the post -the same as wine in fasting or meat at the same time. Orthodoxy does not pressure the parishioners, but only recommends. Hard work, recovery after illness, small age of children or women "in position" - all these nuances give indulgence for the time of fasting. And if you eat the same marine inhabitants not because you really want, but just to maintain strength, you are already fasting.
