I didn't realise that about when Orthodox Advent started - does that make it two months long? (Assuming Orth Xmas is after the Western) I've often thought that November is a good time to start fasting - and mid-December onwards is particularly difficult!
It's always forty days - give or take a week! By the time the feast comes, we have earned it. Also, there are plenty of places to be tempted along the way ...
I would bet the lack of fasting for advent in the west might have something to do with November/December being the traditional time for the crucial butchering of the family livestock. This is the time of year where natural refrigeration makes it possible. Though I imagine in much of the east this would also be true. I wonder if fasting was common among the peasantry?
Fasting used to happen here too, at least in the Catholic church, which took it seriously. I don't know if it was Vatican II which effectively ended the practice, but most Catholics I know barely fast for Lent now, or if they do, they do so as individuals rather than as a body. I think it's a great loss to them.
Vatican II (and the subsequent update to the Code of Canon Law in 1983) did away with most fast and abstinence in the Catholic Church. What I don't know for sure is how decayed it was by that point, but that's when the legal norms fell, as far as I know. We're only required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, and abstain from meat on those days and Fridays of Lent, and abstain from something ("or say Rosary" as so many people say, even though that's prayer, not abstinence) on the other Fridays of the year (which means most people do nothing on most Fridays of the year).
I've heard it said that Orthodoxy sets the bar high and it's for each individual with their confessor to determine if they need a dispensation from the rules, whereas the Catholicism sets the bar on the floor and tell us to lift it as high as we'd like. (Spoiler alert - it usually stays on the floor). I never used to think much of it, but of late it's bothered me more and more. It is indeed a great loss.
In the U.S. it's common for both Catholics and Protestants who practice Lent to choose to give up "one thing" for the entire 40 days (although some allow a "cheat day" on Sunday). This prompted a wonderful joke I heard decades ago: Did you hear about the Episcopal bishop who gave up single malts for Lent? He drank only blends.
Amazing how music and words effect us. Scrolling thru the 1000s of comments about Shane on youtube theres no bitterness or crazy hatred. Poets, musicians, writers all have a great and powerful gift.
I must admit to being shocked to hear the news of Shane McGowan. Not that he was dead. But that he had, until recently, still been alive. His St. Patrick's Day performance on SNL remains the both the hallmark for great performances, but also the most drunk I have ever seen someone on American TV.
Very much looking forward to seeing Against The Machine in print; this is great news.
I am also happy to see you recommend Andy’s writing; I describe Andy as a Reactionary Nonkronius Bon-Vivant, a man out of time, a real original. Hearing the two of you discuss matters of great import in that van going across South Dakota was truly an experience I will never forget.
What a coincidence, I’ll be going to see Andy and his soon to be bride at his home later today.
Great times. I still have not quite got the American West out of my soul. I think Andy is the new Kerouac, only with a Christian soul. Say hello to him and Keturah for us.
I have lived out West for 25 years and I find it hard to imagine living anywhere else. I grew up in the suburbs of NYC, and the Hudson valley is indeed quite beautiful, but even that cannot compare to the vastness of the West.
Paul- Congratulations on the book! This is great news.
The Pogues were an integral part of the soundtrack for my college days. I started listening to them again during the pandemic on my drive to work--which I found oddly comforting. May he rest in peace.
While the pandemic and our nations’ panicked responses drove us further into remoteness, into divisions that previously remained simmering under the lid of the pot, it is great solace to have these writings from Paul, and the commenters. It’s like a post-apocalyptic sci fi flick when the few struggling survivors are tuning a staticky radio hoping for signs of humanity in the world at large, but in this case, my phone is that radio, but joyfully, I get this instead of static.
Thank you ,Paul, for this space. You keep me aware and yet hopeful. In these crazy times you inspire three needed pillars: Faith, Hope and Joy. Have a fruitful and blessed Advent season and may your new book be a great success.
On the subject of "the machine" - how in the world did EM Forster write that short story in 1909, The Machine Stops. Thought of it this AM when my dear husband joined his Orthodox church's men's group via zoom. I awoke to him talking to someone, then other voices. What is going on, I wondered. Just invite them here for breakfast, I said.
I've long had a theory that the best and most prophetic sci-fi is almost mystical: it seems to descend on the writer as in a vision. Often they never do anything as good again. Frankenstein, The Machine Stops, Brave New World, The Matrix ... it's as if some vision of the future, or forewarning, is occuring. Not that we ever listen.
Some writers over the decades have argued that the original Japanese Godzilla film, Gojira, is basically the Frankenstein story writ large (literally). It's much better, and much more serious, than its 1956 American redaction or any subsequent remakes/sequels (although I've read some very good things about the new one).
Great news on the book, Paul. Will be looking forward to it, and best wishes in finding a UK publisher!
Yes, RIP Shane indeed. I've been a Pogues fan for three decades, and I'm a bit surprised that he lasted as long as he did, but God bless him -- Brilliant songwriter, and apparently a very caring, giving man despite the rough-edged surface. As much as I like "Rainy Night...", I'd have to say that my two favorite Pogues songs are "A Pair of Brown Eyes" and "The Broad Majestic Shannon."
Alas Shane. I agree about "A Rainy Night in Soho." That song never fails to move me.
I was lucky to see the Pogues in a tiny venue LA in the mid-80s when they were just starting to get noticed by the alt scene. Shane was chugging wine and was getting quite drunk. During Sally Maclennae he actually forgot the words. The audience finished singing it for him. I think the band was surprised that these daft Americans knew all the words. They were a special band and that was a special night.
I didn't realise that about when Orthodox Advent started - does that make it two months long? (Assuming Orth Xmas is after the Western) I've often thought that November is a good time to start fasting - and mid-December onwards is particularly difficult!
Yes, Orthodox Advent is 40 days long irrespective of which date you celebrate Christmas.
Thank you!
It's always forty days - give or take a week! By the time the feast comes, we have earned it. Also, there are plenty of places to be tempted along the way ...
I would bet the lack of fasting for advent in the west might have something to do with November/December being the traditional time for the crucial butchering of the family livestock. This is the time of year where natural refrigeration makes it possible. Though I imagine in much of the east this would also be true. I wonder if fasting was common among the peasantry?
Fasting used to happen here too, at least in the Catholic church, which took it seriously. I don't know if it was Vatican II which effectively ended the practice, but most Catholics I know barely fast for Lent now, or if they do, they do so as individuals rather than as a body. I think it's a great loss to them.
Vatican II (and the subsequent update to the Code of Canon Law in 1983) did away with most fast and abstinence in the Catholic Church. What I don't know for sure is how decayed it was by that point, but that's when the legal norms fell, as far as I know. We're only required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, and abstain from meat on those days and Fridays of Lent, and abstain from something ("or say Rosary" as so many people say, even though that's prayer, not abstinence) on the other Fridays of the year (which means most people do nothing on most Fridays of the year).
I've heard it said that Orthodoxy sets the bar high and it's for each individual with their confessor to determine if they need a dispensation from the rules, whereas the Catholicism sets the bar on the floor and tell us to lift it as high as we'd like. (Spoiler alert - it usually stays on the floor). I never used to think much of it, but of late it's bothered me more and more. It is indeed a great loss.
In the U.S. it's common for both Catholics and Protestants who practice Lent to choose to give up "one thing" for the entire 40 days (although some allow a "cheat day" on Sunday). This prompted a wonderful joke I heard decades ago: Did you hear about the Episcopal bishop who gave up single malts for Lent? He drank only blends.
Hahaha! As a “born and raised” Catholic, that sounds about right.
Very happy to read about the book Paul. I know at least two people I'd like to share your essays with. Happy Advent to you and yours.
Amazing how music and words effect us. Scrolling thru the 1000s of comments about Shane on youtube theres no bitterness or crazy hatred. Poets, musicians, writers all have a great and powerful gift.
I must admit to being shocked to hear the news of Shane McGowan. Not that he was dead. But that he had, until recently, still been alive. His St. Patrick's Day performance on SNL remains the both the hallmark for great performances, but also the most drunk I have ever seen someone on American TV.
That he got to 65 is indeed a miracle!
Hi Paul,
Very much looking forward to seeing Against The Machine in print; this is great news.
I am also happy to see you recommend Andy’s writing; I describe Andy as a Reactionary Nonkronius Bon-Vivant, a man out of time, a real original. Hearing the two of you discuss matters of great import in that van going across South Dakota was truly an experience I will never forget.
What a coincidence, I’ll be going to see Andy and his soon to be bride at his home later today.
We will have a cup of tea in your honor.
Great times. I still have not quite got the American West out of my soul. I think Andy is the new Kerouac, only with a Christian soul. Say hello to him and Keturah for us.
Great times, indeed!
I have lived out West for 25 years and I find it hard to imagine living anywhere else. I grew up in the suburbs of NYC, and the Hudson valley is indeed quite beautiful, but even that cannot compare to the vastness of the West.
For a second, I misread the title as "Christmas Penance".
Slight correction: the show was called "All in the Family."
Also sometimes a good description of the Nativity Fast!
Thank you Paul for these gifts, and for helping us keep the faith.
Paul- Congratulations on the book! This is great news.
The Pogues were an integral part of the soundtrack for my college days. I started listening to them again during the pandemic on my drive to work--which I found oddly comforting. May he rest in peace.
-Jack
While the pandemic and our nations’ panicked responses drove us further into remoteness, into divisions that previously remained simmering under the lid of the pot, it is great solace to have these writings from Paul, and the commenters. It’s like a post-apocalyptic sci fi flick when the few struggling survivors are tuning a staticky radio hoping for signs of humanity in the world at large, but in this case, my phone is that radio, but joyfully, I get this instead of static.
Thank you ,Paul, for this space. You keep me aware and yet hopeful. In these crazy times you inspire three needed pillars: Faith, Hope and Joy. Have a fruitful and blessed Advent season and may your new book be a great success.
On the subject of "the machine" - how in the world did EM Forster write that short story in 1909, The Machine Stops. Thought of it this AM when my dear husband joined his Orthodox church's men's group via zoom. I awoke to him talking to someone, then other voices. What is going on, I wondered. Just invite them here for breakfast, I said.
My most astute students were generally those not looking successful by the educational system's measurements!
I've long had a theory that the best and most prophetic sci-fi is almost mystical: it seems to descend on the writer as in a vision. Often they never do anything as good again. Frankenstein, The Machine Stops, Brave New World, The Matrix ... it's as if some vision of the future, or forewarning, is occuring. Not that we ever listen.
I’ve never heard of William Gibson or Neuromancer, but you’ve got me intrigued…I’m going to get a copy.
Some writers over the decades have argued that the original Japanese Godzilla film, Gojira, is basically the Frankenstein story writ large (literally). It's much better, and much more serious, than its 1956 American redaction or any subsequent remakes/sequels (although I've read some very good things about the new one).
If prophetic sci-fi is prophetic, it means that "we" are listening... somewhere.
"The Matrix" was a book before being a film ?
Great news on the book, Paul. Will be looking forward to it, and best wishes in finding a UK publisher!
Yes, RIP Shane indeed. I've been a Pogues fan for three decades, and I'm a bit surprised that he lasted as long as he did, but God bless him -- Brilliant songwriter, and apparently a very caring, giving man despite the rough-edged surface. As much as I like "Rainy Night...", I'd have to say that my two favorite Pogues songs are "A Pair of Brown Eyes" and "The Broad Majestic Shannon."
I live a few miles away from the Shannon, and it is still both broad and majestic. That is a glorious song.
"I give myself permission to take the best of both traditions..." This just proves you're Orthodox.
Alas Shane. I agree about "A Rainy Night in Soho." That song never fails to move me.
I was lucky to see the Pogues in a tiny venue LA in the mid-80s when they were just starting to get noticed by the alt scene. Shane was chugging wine and was getting quite drunk. During Sally Maclennae he actually forgot the words. The audience finished singing it for him. I think the band was surprised that these daft Americans knew all the words. They were a special band and that was a special night.
PS - can't wait to buy the book! Congrats.
Having read your series, The Machine, I eagerly await the book form. Good work!
Ned Denny looks intriguing. He did a version of the the Divine Comedy. I might have to check that out.