In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, extended fasting periods like Great Lent are not just about abstaining from certain foods. They are, more importantly, times of spiritual renewal and growing closer to God. Moreover, fasting is never practiced alone; rather, it goes hand-in-hand with prayer and almsgiving. Throughout Church history, the Holy Fathers, Church canons, and Orthodox communities have consistently emphasized that these three practices work together to transform our souls. In what follows, this article will explore the meaning and practice of almsgiving and prayer during fasting, offering practical advice for Orthodox Christians who wish to deepen their faith during Great Lent.
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The Scriptural and historical roots
Christ Himself lays the foundation for fasting, prayer, and almsgiving in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:1–18). The prophets, too, call Israel to a fast that is joined to compassion and justice (Isaiah 58:6–7). The Book of Tobit proclaims, “Prayer with fasting is good, but better than both is almsgiving with righteousness” (Tobit 12:8 RSV). In the Acts of the Apostles, Cornelius is praised for his prayers and alms, which “ascended as a memorial before God” (Acts 10:2–4).
Related: The Ultimate Guide to Fasting in the Orthodox Church
From the earliest centuries, the Church has practiced the threefold path, seeing in it the pattern of Christ Himself, who prayed, fasted, and gave Himself for others. The Apostolic Constitutions and Canon 69 of the Holy Apostles both connect fasting with the obligation to help the poor and pray more fervently.
The purpose and spiritual fruits
Fasting, prayer, and almsgiving address the roots of sin: fasting heals gluttony and self-indulgence, almsgiving cures greed and hard-heartedness, and prayer overcomes pride and forgetfulness of God. As St. John Chrysostom warns, “Fasting without almsgiving is a lamp without oil” (Homily 6 on Matthew). St. Basil the Great teaches that true fasting means refraining not just from food, but from all evil (Homily on Fasting).
When practiced together, these disciplines cultivate humility, compassion, and attentiveness. St. Peter Chrysologus writes, “Fasting bears no fruit unless watered by mercy. Fasting dries up when mercy dries up” (Sermon 43). The synergy of the three leads to repentance, the healing of relationships, and union with Christ.
The liturgical and communal context
Great Lent is supported by the Church’s rich liturgical life. The faithful are drawn into a cycle of repentance and renewal through services like the Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete, the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, Compline, and the Akathist Hymn. Each service and hymn helps shape the heart, offering space for prayer and reflection.
Fasting is also lived out in community. Parishes often organize food drives, charitable projects, and prayer groups during Lent. Families can keep the fast together, pray at home, and practice acts of kindness, making the journey a shared experience.
Practical guidance for the Faithful
Prayer:
- Consult with your priest or spiritual father for a manageable daily prayer rule.
- Participate in Presanctified Liturgies, Compline, and other Lenten services as often as possible.
- Read a kathisma (section) of the Psalter daily.
- Set aside time each day for the Jesus Prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
- Cultivate Silence by limiting distractions and spending time in quiet reflection.
Almsgiving:
- Donate the money you saved from eating simpler meals to those in need.
- Contribute to Orthodox charities, food banks, or parish projects.
- Volunteer, visit the sick or elderly, or help parishioners in need.
- Follow Christ’s teaching to give in secret (Matthew 6:3).
- Offer kindness, a listening ear, or forgiveness as forms of almsgiving.
Fasting:
- Confession is the gateway to Lent; prepare your heart at the outset.
- Don’t hesitate to ask your priest for help adjusting the fast to your health and circumstances.
- Fast from sin, not just food. As St. Basil says, true fasting is abstaining from all evil—anger, gossip, and judgment.
Addressing struggles
Many face struggles during Lent—discouragement, busy schedules, or temptation to judge others. Remember, Lent is not a contest but a journey toward God. If you fall, begin again.
St. Paisios the Athonite reminds us: “God rejoices more in one small act done with love and humility than in a thousand done with pride.”
Conclusion
Great Lent is a journey of transformation. Through prayer, almsgiving, and fasting, our hearts are renewed, and we draw closer to God and our neighbor. Let us embrace these practices, guided by the wisdom of the Church and the grace of the Holy Spirit, so that our fasting may bear the fruits of love, mercy, and true repentance.
Read More: 5 Lessons We Can Learn from Fasting