Information and News from the Church of Agia Paraskevi

Starting on Monday 31st May 2010 there will be tours of the church of Agia Paraskevi every Monday from 7.30pm immediately after the 7pm vespers service which will be in English and last around 30 minutes.  Tours last approx 30 minutes and are free but donations towards the church roof fund will be much appreciated.  Tours will be conducted by Father Avraam and will be in English.  For further information call Father Avraam on (0030) 6946956700 or Jane Routh on (0030) 6972430241.

Fasting is an essential aspect of practicing the Orthodox life.  You cannot be Orthodox and not fast although how often and to what extent is up to the individual's conscience.  The elderly and sick, pregnant women and the very young are exempt.  Cheesefare Week is the week before Great Lent when meat is not eaten but everything else is allowed.  The fast for Great Lent begins on Clean Monday.  People fast from meat, fish (but not shellfish), dairy products and eggs.  Oil and wine are also omitted every Wednesday and Friday.  Fish is eaten twice during Great Lent - on 25th March, Feast of the Annunciation, and on Palm Sunday.

Fasting is not confined to Lent.  The 40 days before Christmas, the 14 days before 15th August, various other days and every Wednesday and Friday are fasts of varying degrees of rigour.  There are tasty and interesting meals possible even with the fasting restrictions and many tavernas and restaurants offer "nistisimos" food - foods suitable for fasting.  Traditionally the money that is saved by fasting is given to the poor or a charity.