(5) Participating in the Fast
Important elements to any fasting period in the Orthodox Church is (1) Prayer, (2) Fasting, and (3) Almsgiving. Find ways for your family to participate in these three things in order to make this season fruitful and as a means for our salvation. Some ways to do this as a family: Attend services, pray together daily and read the scriptures, collect food for a homeless shelter, donate warm coats or blankets to those in need, and connect with your local parish for other opportunities to serve the needy around you.
Make a Plan
This time of year is very busy with all of the cultural things going on that it is easy to get burnt out. Or perhaps you’re like me and start off strong, but 2 weeks in you burn out, having taken on too much. It’s important for us to prepare ahead of time to help ensure we reach out family goals for how we want to spend this advent season. I found this podcast “Preparing for Advent” by Hannah Vasquez of All These Things Podcast very practical and insightful.
Another fantastic resource for making a plan is the Holly & Ivy Orthodox Advent Planners which are available for digital download or bound through Parousia Press.
Fasting
An essential part of every fasting period is the actual fast! As Orthodox Christians, we fast for more than half the year, giving up meat, dairy, eggs, and on strict fast days, giving up oil, wine and fish . By following the prescribed fast of the Church, we are working on our self control, and our hope is by abstaining from foods, we learn to also abstain from sinning. Of course, fasting is a spiritual discipline that should be practiced with the oversight and direction of your spiritual father and priest. You should consult your spiritual father if you have any specific questions about the fasting discipline as it applies to you, and your children. You can read more about the fasting here.
Parousia Press has a wonderful collection of resources for fasting which you can find here