Exodus 90 for Eastern Catholics

[u/Acceptable_Lack_1713]

Just want to get a pulse on what other Eastern Catholics think about modern ascetic practices like Exodus 90.

My own take, as a Byzantine, is that if we feel a draw to things like Exodus 90, it's a signal that we're not engaging with our own Eastern ascetic traditions meaningfully, nevermind the fact that it puts us at odds with our calendar, fasting when we should rightfully be feasting in some cases.

By no means do I want to cast shade on the program and the good fruit it bears in the lives of some, I just want to hear what others think on the topic.

[u/infernoxv]

what is ‘Exodus 90’?

[u/Acceptable_Lack_1713 → u/infernoxv]

A voluntary ascetical regime for men that lasts for 90 days. Usually starts on January 1st and involves the following:

cold showers

no alcohol

no desserts & sweets

no eating between meals

no soda or sweetened drinks

no television or movies or televised sports (without permission from the fraternity)

only listen to music that lifts the soul to God

only use computer for work, school, essential tasks

only use mobile device for essential communications (delete unnecessary apps)

regular and intense daily exercise

no major material purchases (without permission from the fraternity)

at least seven hours of sleep each night 

[u/infernoxv → u/Acceptable_Lack_1713]

some of it sounds good and sensible even from a non-religious POV (e.g. no soda or sweetened drinks, sufficient sleep and excercise), some bits sound like they could be profitable depending on consultation with one’s spiritual father/mother (the music bit), some parts sound disturbingly controlling (finances, televised sports).

the small ascetical things could well be done by anyone.

the second category, by the fact that i’ve mentioned the prudence of consulting a spiritual father, should already be obviously things that one ought not undertake independently. music and entertainment should be used prudently, but there should be no blanket bans. for example, nobody is going to convince me that somehow a Mozart piano sonata is in the same category as a rap track.

the third category is needlessly controlling - non-monastics should not give up control of their finances to some arbitrary external authority. this is the same reservation i have with Opus Dei.