ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Fasting and abstinence in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church

Okay, kiddo, let me explain to you what fasting and abstinence means in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.

Fasting means that you don't eat food for a certain amount of time. The church teaches that fasting is important because it helps us focus on our spiritual life and reminds us that our body is not the most important thing in the world.

Abstinence means that you avoid eating certain foods altogether. In the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, the people abstain from meat and dairy products during certain times of the year.

During the big fasting seasons like Lent, people fast from all animal products for 55 days. This includes meat, dairy, and even eggs. During smaller fasting times like Wednesdays and Fridays, people avoid eating meat but can eat eggs and drink milk.

The Ethiopian Orthodox Church also has other days throughout the year when they fast and abstain, like the Day of the Cross and the Assumption of St. Mary.

Overall, fasting and abstinence are important practices in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church because they help people focus on their spiritual life and remind them to be mindful of what they eat.