Question questions: can shrimp in the post?

The question of fast food interests not only new converts, but also those who believe for many years and seemingly well studied church rules and regulations. The fact is that many products, which until quite recently could only be read in a historical novel, have become available, and it is not always clear whether they are lean or fast. For example, many believers are interested in the question of whether shrimp are eaten in fasting.

Old Testament rules

In principle, the precepts of the Old Testament concerned the Jews. However, it is also part of Christianity, and its establishment, it would seem, must also be respected by churchmen who are Christians. So, the Old Testament in this respect is very categorical. Is it possible to shrimp in fasting? Yes, in any case, and on normal days they are prohibited. The main permissive feature for aquatic animals was the presence of scales. And it's just that there is no shrimp. Therefore, they were considered unclean animals and were not consumed in food.

However, the apostle Peter received a vision in which he was told that the eating habits of people should not be an obstacle to baptism. Therefore, at the council of the apostles in Jerusalem it was decided that non-Jews should not abandon their culinary traditions. And in everyday life, the use of the same baptized Greeks or Romans by sea inhabitants is not considered a sin. But whether it is possible to shrimp in the post - it's quite another.

A look at the question from the point of view of the Greek church

When Orthodoxy was developing, the "marine reptiles" in the diet were absent as a class. Therefore, there is no clear indication in this respect.

Because the Greek cuisine uses shellfish, crabs, shrimps extensively (in the Greek church there is even a special name for them - "crocheting"), then it is better to focus on their rules in solving the problem of shrimp in fasting. These products in the Greek tradition are allowed on the same days when lean oil is allowed. This is fixed in Nomocanon, and such a rule is perfectly suited to resolve your doubts.

Strict Prohibition

As for other products, it exists on the first and the Holy Week, in which it is supposed to eat only vegetarian, vegetarian food. In addition, if you fast by all the rules, do not forget that on Monday, Wednesday and Friday on the table, too, should be only cereals, vegetables and fruits. Since seafood is clearly not a vegetable origin, these days they are not served.

Different answers to the question

It should be noted that in different parishes they are not looking at the tasting of the "captives" differently. Some pastors believe that shrimp in fasting can be eaten in so-called fish days. Others firmly and uncompromisingly prohibit them at all, as traditionally oysters, crabs and shrimps were considered a luxury, not aimed at satisfying hunger, but in appeasing gluttony. If you look at seafood at such an angle, they really do not have a place on the lean table.

However, many Athonite monasteries allow monks to eat sea reptiles during fasting. Similarly, some Russian monasteries also operate. So, probably, for laypeople, all the more, it's not a sin to try the "half-baked" ones. However, if you still doubt whether shrimp can be fasted, consult your father. If you can not solve this question for yourself, follow his advice.

Finally one can say that the shrimp in the post - the same as the wine in the post or meat at the same time. Orthodoxy does not pressure the parishioners, but only recommends. Hard work, recovery from illness, small age of children or women "in position" - all these nuances give indulgence for the time of fasting. And if you eat the same marine life not because you really want, but just to maintain strength, you are already fasting.