Fasting is a central practice in the life of the Orthodox Christian, woven into the rhythms of the liturgical year and the fabric of personal spiritual discipline. While the practice itself is familiar, its deeper meaning is often illuminated by the profound insights of the Church Fathers. Drawing on their wisdom, we can rediscover fasting not merely as a dietary change, but as a path to spiritual transformation.
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The purpose of fasting: More than abstinence
St. John Chrysostom, one of the most beloved preachers of the early Church, reminds us that the true fast is not simply abstaining from food, but also from sin: “Let the mouth fast from foul words and unjust criticism. For what does it profit if we abstain from birds and fishes, but bite and devour our brothers and sisters?” His words invite us to view fasting as holistic—encompassing our thoughts, words, and deeds.
St. Basil the Great, another pillar of patristic teaching, emphasizes that fasting restores us to our original dignity. He writes, “Fasting is the change of every part of our life. Because the sacrifice of the fast is not the abstinence from food, but the estrangement from sins.” Fasting, then, is inseparable from repentance.
Fasting and the healing of the soul
For the Fathers, fasting is not an end in itself, but a means to heal the soul. St. Isaac the Syrian teaches, “If you cannot fast, at least keep yourself from sin. If you are not able to keep vigil, at least guard your thoughts from evil.” The discipline of fasting is meant to quiet the passions, so that the heart can be more attentive to prayer and receptive to God’s grace.
St. Gregory the Theologian writes that fasting brings clarity: “Fasting cures diseases, drives out demons, chases away impure thoughts, makes the mind clearer, the heart purer.” This patristic perspective frames fasting as a medicine for the spiritual life, treating not just the body but the soul’s ailments.
Fasting and the life of love
The Fathers consistently warn against pride or judgment in fasting. St. Maximus the Confessor argues that the fruit of fasting should be love, humility, and mercy: “Fasting is wonderful, because it tramples our sins like a dirty weed, while it cultivates and raises truth in the soil of our heart. But fasting is only the beginning; it is the gateway to a life of virtue.”
St. John Chrysostom also insists that almsgiving and compassion must accompany fasting: “Do you fast? Give me proof of it by your works. If you see a poor man, take pity on him… Let not only the mouth fast, but also the eye, and the ear, and the feet, and the hands, and all the members of our bodies.”
Practical Applications for the Modern Orthodox Christian
The patristic vision of fasting challenges us to approach this discipline with depth and intentionality. It is not a checklist or a mere tradition, but an invitation to transformation. In the context of modern life—with its busyness, distractions, and unique challenges—the Fathers encourage us to prioritize the spirit of fasting over the letter, always striving for repentance, humility, and love.
As we enter each fasting season, let us heed the counsel of the Fathers: fast from food as we are able, but also from anger, slander, and judgment. Let our fasting be joined to prayer and acts of mercy. In this way, our external discipline will bear the fruit of internal renewal, drawing us closer to the likeness of Christ.
References:
- St. John Chrysostom, Homilies on Fasting
- St. Basil the Great, On Fasting
- St. Gregory the Theologian, Orations
- St. Maximus the Confessor, Centuries on Charity
- St. Isaac the Syrian, Ascetical Homilies
Keep Reading: Fasting in the Modern World: Living the Fast at Work and School
4 Responses
Unrelated, but bad news!!! Israel has permanently closed the church of the holy sepluchre to all denominations of Christianity, as they say it is because of regional conflict and the war. but if it really was because of that, then they would not have closed it off indefinitey!!! what do we do!? this is the church that was built up on his crucifiction and tomb!!!!
Jack,
Christ is in our midst! We, likewise, are saddened by the closing of the Church of the Holy Sepulcre. It is deeply important to Christians around the world, as it stands at the very heart of our faith as the place of Christ’s crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. First, it’s important to remember that the situation in Jerusalem and the Holy Land is complex and, at times, very fluid. Decisions about access to holy sites are often made for reasons of public safety during times of conflict or unrest, and sometimes the language used in official statements can be unclear or alarming. While the announcement of an indefinite closure is distressing, such measures have sometimes been temporary in the past, even when initially described otherwise.
As Orthodox Christians, we are called to respond with prayer, patience, and trust in God’s providence, even in times of uncertainty. We can pray for peace in the Holy Land, for the safety of all those who live and worship there, and for the reopening of the holy sites. The holiness of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the reality of Christ’s Resurrection are not dependent on our access to a particular building, though it is a tremendous blessing to be able to visit and worship there.
Let us keep our faith rooted in Christ, who promised, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” The sites themselves are precious, but “the tomb is empty. He is not here.” Our risen Lord is never far from us, wherever we are. May He grant peace to Jerusalem and to all the world. Amen.
Good news: I have been gifted from the grace of good new things to help! I recently got an Orthodox study bible, an icon depicting a tree with Jesus at the top-center and his apostles as the branches, and a prayer book, as well as electric candles. I was in a dark moment, But God taught me to be joyful and thankful, and that he is always there, even when things aren’t always happy or easy!
Jack,
Christ is in our midst! That is wonderful – we are overjoyed that the Lord has blessed you with an icon, a prayer book, and candles. May He continue to guide you closer to Him through prayer. God bless!