Tweaking tradition for today, two Christian congregations in Kerala have given a whole new ‘green’ meaning to the nearly six-week-long Lent that leads to Easter.
Lent is observed through prayer, penance and self-denial, among other things. The Church of South India, which has played a big role in environmental conservation, and the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church (MOC) have given Lent a new twist this year.
The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church has decided to observe Sunday, March 26, as a day of “vehicle fast”. Church authorities say the ‘vehicle fast’ will reflect the ecological context of fasting. Last year, Good Friday was observed as a day of ‘cyber fast,’ with the faithful asked to switch off mobile phones, computers and other gadgets.
This year would be an occasion to remember, the Church says, past generations of worshippers who came to the prayers after walking long distances. Believers should, therefore, walk if possible, or use bicycles or public transport. The elderly and the infirm have been exempted.
‘Carbon fasting’
The first to announce the tweak was the newly elected Moderator of the CSI, Bishop Thomas Oommen, who declared a ‘carbon fast’ during the period. Earlier this month, in a letter to other Bishops of the Church, members of the synod, directors and office-bearers of all dioceses, he asked them to “go a step forward and deeper by initiating a carbon fast in order to reduce the actions which damage God’s creation.”
Climate change concern
The Bishop said most members of the CSI were from communities most vulnerable to climate change and there was a need to reaffirm the faith, given the plight of climate refugees. The ‘carbon fast’ timetable for Lent prescribes a simpler lifestyle, low energy usage and water conservation.
