Lesson 13: Fasting

One of the disciplines an Orthodox Christian practices regularly is fasting. This is a practice the predates the coming of Christ. Christ fasted, the Apostles fasted. Orthodox Christians from the time of the earliest church have practiced fasting. In today’s world fasting has been relegated to a routine for improving health. But, it is an important discipline for the development of the soul. Let’s find out why?

As was discussed in an earlier lesson we are controlled by many passions. To overcome them you need self-discipline. Our desire for pleasure from food is one of our more basic passions. By not allowing ourselves this enjoyment periodically, helps you develop the necessary discipline to follow God’s will. It can also be seen as a sacrifice to honor the glory of our God.

In this lesson you will learn about the practice of fasting in the Orthodox Church. You will learn when to fast and how to fast. You will learn about the major fasting periods in the Church such as Great Lent.

Remember, while the Church fathers say fasting is necessary, it is a discipline and not a virtue. We may start this practice like an ordinance, but it must become something we do out of our love of God, our desire to be purified of passions, and our commitment to do His will in all things.

Read the section for the manual on Fasting.

View the Video below.

 After you have viewed the video, answer briefly these questions: