Story perspectives

Greece's Monks Embrace Fasting for Spiritual and Health Benefits

4/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

In Trikoro, Greece, the 40-day Lenten period before Orthodox Easter emphasizes a plant-based diet excluding animal products except for shellfish.
Monks at the Monastery of St. Augustine and Seraphim follow these rules, viewing fasting as essential for spiritual focus.
Abbot Nektarios Moulatsiotis compares fasting to endurance training, saying occasional hunger clarifies thinking.
Nutritionist Eirini Babaroutsi notes health benefits of a balanced diet during fasting and advises caution for certain groups.

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Story summary

In Trikoro, Greece, the 40-day Lenten period before Orthodox Easter emphasizes a plant-based diet excluding animal products except for shellfish.
Monks at the Monastery of St. Augustine and Seraphim follow these rules, viewing fasting as essential for spiritual focus.
Abbot Nektarios Moulatsiotis compares fasting to endurance training, saying occasional hunger clarifies thinking.
Nutritionist Eirini Babaroutsi notes health benefits of a balanced diet during fasting and advises caution for certain groups.