Eastern christianity the byzantine tradition cross lawrence 9780855741488 books amazonca. Fasting is an important discipline in the christian east major portions of the liturgical cycle are taken up by periods of fasting in the byzantine tradition observed by greek catholics or byzantine catholics and orthodox christians the great lent also known as the great fast is a major fast lasting for 40 days. The most significant result of the iconoclastic controversy was the adoption of a strict traditionalism in the byzantine church the eastern church had long been characterized by speculation and innovation but the iconoclastic controversy was too disorienting almost overnight the byzantine church became averse to innovation and speculation. Eastern christianity the byzantine tradition this booklet is an excellent introduction and overview about byzantine christianity covering the history theology liturgy and other traditions of both catholic and orthodox churches paperback illustrated with over 40 photos this product is currently out of stock and unavailable