Greetings 2004

Fasting

Why is Fasting Necessary?

All of you have heard that fasting exists. If you asked someone to explain what does it mean when someone fasts, you would probably get the following response: “It means that you eat nothing that comes from an animal (red blood).” This answer is entirely correct. However, there is something else that we should know about the fast.

The Orthodox Church prescribes that every Christian fast four times a year before great feast days. These are: the Resurrection, Nativity of Christ, Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, and the feast of the Dormition. Along with this, every Wednesday and Friday (except for those not designated as fasting days ) are fasting days. The importance of fasting is exemplified by the fact that our Lord Jesus Christ fasted forty days in the desert.
During lent, Christians avoid non-lenten food and do not organize any festivities. The faithful endeavor, during this time, to think more about God and do works of love. The avoidance of eating non-lenten food helps to overcome physical desires and strengthens ones will. In addition, there exists a spiritual fast. Under this fast it is understood that there is a vigil over ones heart. To spiritually fast means to fight against evil thoughts.
One teacher of the faith asked his students, “What is more important, a physical or spiritual fast?” The students unanimously answered, “Both are important, but the spiritual is more important. The physical fast is short-lived, while the spiritual lasts a whole life time.”
To be victorious over oneself is a much greater accomplishment and more difficult than to defeat others. It is a true victory. One who can govern himself is a greater ruler and commander than anyone on earth. A person cannot achieve anything great in life without a strong character, faith and will, noble thoughts, and perseverance.
For example, can one complete their lessons and graduate without a strong will to learn, and be strong enough during studying to not go and play? Fasting is, therefore, important for our whole life, because it helps us to build and strengthen that which is the best and most important within us. When we build within us a strong Christian identity, the whole world is ours and there is nothing of which to be afraid.

From Little Angel - Beginning Christianity , Nevena Vitošević