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Abstract
Qualitative and quantitative methodologies were used to determine beliefs and practices of Eastern Orthodox Christians in a community in the United States with regard to Church prescribed fasting. Considerable variation was discerned regarding beliefs of what foods should be avoided and when. Actual fasting practices were even more heterogeneous. A model was developed of positive and negative influences upon fasting according to Eastern Orthodox Christian doctrine. Negative influences included health beliefs, living in a non-Orthodox society, and the moral aspect of the Church teachings on fasting.