As elementary-age students, they abstained from meat during the four Lenten periods and dairy products were withdrawn on certain days. In Middle School, more dairy-less days were added. They take on the challenge and meet it with creativity. As we enjoy our turkey and all the fixings on Thanksgiving Day, let us remember that these are all a gift from our God. Whenever there is a period of fasting, prayer and almsgiving are included.
Advent is no exception.
As much as we want to share the food from our Thanksgiving table with those less fortunate, we usually cannot. But, we can reach out in various ways. IOCC assists soup kitchens, refugee camps, collection centers, orphanages, mental institutions, homes for the elderly, and so on. Although clients need not be Orthodox Christians, all the work is done in the name of the Orthodox Church. During the month of November we are invited to set aside several family meals at which no meat or dessert are served, and remember those less fortunate in our prayers of thanksgiving.