Although I believe that all of my   readers already have some idea about how the Eastern Church observes the Great Fast, I would repeat some traditional suggestions.

Recommended Minimal Effort

• On the first day of Lent (February 8) and Good Friday (March 25) observe a Strict Fast, abstaining from meat and dairy products.
• Abstain from meat on All Fridays of Lent and also on Holy Saturday (March 26)

The Church sees this as a minimal effort

A Strict Lenten Tradition

• Fast from meat and dairy products all the days of the Fast, even on weekends, from February 8 until   after Easter services March 27
• Abstain from meat beginning the day after Meatfare (January 31)
• Abstain from dairy products the day   after Cheesefare (February 8)

Church tradition highly recommends this observance if physically possible

Modified Strict Lenten Tradition

A modified version of the strict tradition calls us, in addition to the minimal effort, to abstain from meat on all Wednesdays and Fridays of Lent and all the days of Great and Holy Week.

I believe, although I am probably in the minority with this belief, that none of this should even be done under the sense of “obligation.” God wants free people to love and worship Him, not slaves. Church traditions have proven to be effective in helping us grow.

All spiritual practices should be thoughtful and reasonable, knowing that we do them to help us spiritually grow. God will not love us any more or because of what we choose to do. He loves us unconditionally. We engage in ascetical practices to help us understand how much He loves us. Specific practices during the Great Fast can open our hearts and minds to celebrate Easter in a manner which professes that we know that God loves us.

We should never engage in strict practices if we are sick or physically unable. Religion is reasonable. Again, our approach to religious practices must be intelligent, remembering that they are meant to help us focus our attention on our spiritual lives. God doesn’t need anything from us.

My counsel as your spiritual father is to thoughtfully and prayerfully use the time of Lent for spiritual growth. Integrate into your life any activity that helps you focus on your spiritual life. Do whatever it takes to make God, in a very special way, the center of these next forty days and prepare you to personally celebrate Easter.