Saint Spyridon's
Orthodox Mission
Nampa, Idaho

Fasting

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Fasting is an act of setting aside our will in order to obey God's will for us. It is also a way of dying to ourselves and to this world, so that we might fight against the passions that war against us.

 

Orthodox Christians fast on nearly every Wednesday (the day that Jesus was betrayed) and Friday (The day that He was crucified). In addition, we fast for forty days prior to the Feast of Christ's Nativity (Advent), for the Forty days of Lent and the week of Christ's Passion (Great Lent and Holy Week), for the time between the Monday after All Saints until the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul (Apostle's Fast) for two weeks prior to the Falling-Asleep of the Mother of God (Dormition Fast).

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Fasting generally takes the form of not eating meat or dairy products. There are different allowances during a fast depending on what is celebrated on that day. The most lenient fasting allows the eating of fish, there are days on which wine and oil are permitted, and days on which we are permitted bread, fruits, and vegetables. Most Orthodox calendars both in print and online will specify what is allowed on any given day. 

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As with prayer, it is good that we begin fasting slowly and deliberately, and that we seek to be faithful in what we are doing before doing more. The goal is to set aside our will, so whether we want to exceed the rule or need to relax the rule, we should seek a blessing to do so.

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Those who wish to receive Holy Communion should fast from all food and drink from midnight the night before, or from noon on in the case of an evening Presanctified Liturgy. 

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Those with medical conditions that require medicine and food should talk to the priest who can direct them on how to approach this issue in good health.

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