FASTING -- Sanctify a Fast! (Joel 2:15).

The season of the Forty Days is called the Great Fast by many Eastern Christians and Lent by English speaking Western Christians. The Great Fast is the most important fasting period in the life of the Church. The other three Lesser Fasts are Philip's Fast (Philipovka) (Nov. 15-Dec. 24) in preparation for Christmas, the Apostles' Fast (June 1-28) in preparation for the feast of the Holy Apostles Peter & Paul, and the Dormition Fast (Aug. 1-14) in preparation for the feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God. Voluntary days of fasting are highly recommended. Wednesdays and Fridays are the most important days of fast because it was on a Wednesday that the traitor Judas conspired with the chief priests against Christ, and it was on a Friday that Christ the Savior suffered and died for our salvation.

WHAT IS FASTING?

Fasting is the practice of refraining from all or from certain foods for a length of time. As we will see below, religious fasting is not merely a means for losing weight, nor is it merely an exercise in self-control, nor is it primarily a penance or self-inflicted punishment. Fasting is also not a way to "earn points" with God. Read on and learn more about the Eastern Christian tradition of fasting as a means to spiritual growth.

FASTING AND OUR LONGING FOR GOD

By fasting, our bodies participate in our prayer. "O God, You are my God: You do I ardently seek; for You does my soul thirst, You does my flesh desire, as an arid and parched land without water." (Psalm 62:2). Fasting reminds us that our souls long for God just as our bodies long for food.

FASTING AS A SIGN OF REPENTANCE AND SELF-CONTROL

"Now therefore, says the Lord: Be converted to Me with all your heart, in fasting, and in weeping, and in mourning . . . turn to the Lord your God for He is gracious and merciful, patient and rich in mercy." (Joel 2:12-13). Fasting is a sign of repentance, a turning away from self-satisfaction. Fasting helps us to learn control over our passions (bodily appetites).

FASTING AS A MEANS FOR CHARITY TOWARDS OTHERS

Finally, by the practice of fasting we can save money that can then be given to those in need. The Lord spoke of the kind of fasting He desires: "Deal your bread to the hungry, and bring the needy and the harborless into your house." (Isaiah 58:7). Fasting joined with prayer and deeds of service for others is an act of worship to God and is helpful in our pursuit of spiritual renewal.

OTHER KINDS OF FASTING

In addition to fasting from food, during Great Fast we can also learn to fast or deprive our other senses of certain pleasures. For example, regarding the eyes: fast from watching TV on certain days, especially the day on which you favorite show is on. Regarding the ears, we can voluntarily not listen to the radio, maybe on Wednesdays and Fridays. In regards to the mouth, we can learn to fast from negative or critical talk about others. We can also go to sleep earlier and wake up earlier. Again, we can also fast from certain unnecessary foods: such as candy, sodas, alcohol, pastries, etc. during the whole of the Great Fast on or certain days, such as Wednesdays and Fridays. Again, we should find ways of making our sacrifices benefit others.

TRADITIONAL EASTERN CHRISTIAN MANNER OF FASTING

The basic traditional fasting practice is to fast from all meat, egg, and milk products everyday (including Sunday) throughout the season of the Great Fast. A stricter form also included fasting from wine and oil. Fasting from food and sometimes drink is observed by some people from morning to the evening. But there are also "days of mitigation" when wine and oil are allowed. On days when one will receive Holy Communion at the Liturgy of the Pre-Sanctified Gifts, one refrains from all food. The fast is broken after receiving Holy Communion. (Traditionally the Pre-Sanctified Liturgy is celebrated earlier in the day, around noon.) Since the Pre-Sanctified Liturgy will be celebrated in the evening, here at St. Basil's it is not practical to observe a complete fast until Communion, especially if one needs to work during the day.

BYZANTINE CATHOLIC (USA) FASTING NORMS

The Ruthenian Byzantine Catholic Church of the Metropolia of Pittsburgh (USA), observes the following days of fast during the Great Fast:

Pure Monday First day of the Great Fast. A day of STRICT FAST: No meat of any animal (except fish), no dairy products, no eggs. Great and Holy Friday (Good Friday) is also a day of Strict Fast.

All Wednesdays and Fridays of Great Fast: Days of SIMPLE FAST: No meat (beef, pork, poultry). Fish is allowed. Great & Holy Saturday may be observed as a day of simple fast.

WHO IS SUPPOSED TO FAST?

All baptized and chrismated (confirmed) Byzantine Catholics are to observe the days of fast. Pregnant mothers and those who are weakened by illness or advanced age are not bound to the strict fast. Persons with special diets for medical reasons may observe a mitigated form of the fast. Small children who require milk are allowed to have milk in their meals. If you have any questions, please speak with the priest. It is recommended that we observe more than the minimum that is required. Individual choices in regards to a fasting regimen should be discussed with a spiritual father in Confession or in spiritual direction. Dispensations from fasting are to be discussed with one's spiritual father (confessor).

HOLY SCRIPTURE ON FASTING

Jonah 3:1-10
St. Matthew 6:16-18
St. Matthew 4:1-2