Are all the faithful required to fast and abstain?
Our Church asks only those from 14-59 years of age to fast and abstain on designated days. Many people over 60 generously choose to continue to observe the Church’s regulations, which they and their families consistently practiced throughout their lives. Similarly, young children will eat the food that is served in the household. That said, unlike the canonical regulations of the Latin Church, the laws pertaining to fast and abstinence in the Eastern Churches are not “binding under pain of sin.” Remember, the Church invites us as disciples of Christ to enter into days of fasting and abstinence in order to unite our body, soul and spirit more closely with Our Lord. We must strive to fulfill this calling with great love and humility and unity with our brethren.
