St John Chrysostom many times in his sermons remonstrated against the indulgences of the rich. In the following passage, he shows great medical understanding also. In our day, with diabetes and obesity at epidemic levels, and all sorts of cancers and other maladies that are diet related, reputable doctors would certainly agree with him. Regarding the rich man who indulges himself and is beggarly concerning the poor he says:
Category: Fasting
The Significance of Fasting in the Struggle against Fallen Spirits. By St. Ignatius (Brianchaninov)
Homily by St Ignati Briachaninov: The Lord said to His Apostles about the evil spirits, “This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting” (Mark. 9:29). Here is a new aspect of fasting! Fasting is acceptable to God when it is preceded by the great virtue of mercy; fasting prepares a reward in heaven when it is foreign to hypocrisy and vainglory; fasting works when it is joined with another great virtue – prayer.
How does it work? It not only tames the passions in the human body, but it enters into battle with the spirits of evil, and conquers them.
St Ignaty goes on to explain in great detail how fasting works and why we must fast, and what our disposition must be. This may be the most important text on fasting you will every read! Your battle against the spirits of the air is very weak unless you understand St Ignaty’s words!
NB: Just one resolution for Great Lent. Fasting and prayer
Many people make some sort of resolution when they enter Great Lent. Usually it is something we have not done before, or perhaps done poorly. The one who has fasted poorly in the past may decide to keep the fast better – to not eat any meat or animal products, and some may even be zealous to keep the fast from oil and wine and fish. The one who keeps the fasts may be zealous to not eat anything at all for the first three days of Great Lent, or eat only one meal a day, which, according to the strict typikon, is “after the ninth hour” (about 3 in the afternoon).
In my pastoral experience, most people make some sort of fasting related resolution. I applaud their intentions, but sometimes their emphasis on fasting obscures for them the real purpose of the fast (it is not fasting!), and trying something that is beyond their spiritual and physical capabilities sets them up for failure, and sometimes, despair. Even if they succeed in their fasting goal, they miss out on improving themselves in more important ways. Remember: Nobody is saved because of fasting (but those who are being saved fast).
There is only ONE important resolution to make for the Great Fast. It is mentioned (in so many words and images) constantly in our services. We will mention that one in a little bit. …
Gleanings from the Fathers, history, fasting guidelines and stories on the start of the Apostle’s Fast.
Quotes for the Holy Father’s apropos to the beginning of the Apostle’s fast, an explanation of the fasting rules, a link concering the history of the fast, wisdom from my parishioners and a few other things.
NB: Just one resolution for Great Lent. Fasting and prayer
Many people make some sort of resolution when they enter Great Lent. Usually it is something we have not done before, or perhaps done poorly. The one who has fasted poorly in the past may decide to keep the fast better – to not eat any meat or animal products, and some may even be zealous to keep the fast from oil and wine and fish. The one who keeps the fasts may be zealous to not eat anything at all for the first three days of Great Lent, or eat only one meal a day, which, according to the strict typikon, is “after the ninth hour” (about 3 in the afternoon).
In my pastoral experience, most people make some sort of fasting related resolution. I applaud their intentions, but sometimes their emphasis on fasting obscures for them the real purpose of the fast (it is not fasting!) …
Come Receive the Light interview with Matushka Marina, Diaconissa Genevieve
See “Come Receive the Light” for the following:
“On this very special episode of Come Receive the Light, guest host Kevin Allen speaks with NFL superstar Troy Polamalu and his wife Theodora Polamalu about their work with FOCUS North America. Tune in to hear them talk about their work to fight poverty in North America and to find out how you can help.
[Certainly the above sounds interesting, but excuse me for the following catcning my eye a little more! FS]
Also with us are Matushka Marina Holland and Diaconissa Jennifer Park from St Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church in McKinney, TX. They’re here to give families some tips on fasting and to tell us about their wonderful online recipe archive. …
The Connection between abstinence and understanding. 4th Week of Great Lent – TUESDAY
Illumined in our souls through abstinence, let us venerate the saving cross upon which Christ was nailed, and let us cry aloud to it: Hail the delight and sure help of those that fast; Hail, destroyer of the passions, adversary of the devils; Hail blessed wood! (Matins Sessional Hymn, Tone 8, from the Triodion, Tuesday… Continue reading The Connection between abstinence and understanding. 4th Week of Great Lent – TUESDAY
St John Chrysostom on true fasting. WORTHY TO BE READ during a fast free week!
This is a long quotation, but very profitable to read. It explains the purpose of fasting, the proper attitude towards it, its effects on our spiritual state, and how fasting not done in the right spirit is actually injurious to us. We also see from St John’s words the reason we have a fast… Continue reading St John Chrysostom on true fasting. WORTHY TO BE READ during a fast free week!
Fasting cannibals
I just came across the term "fasting cannibals" and it is so descriptive that I could not resist mentioning it, although it is still more than a month before Great Lent begins. The context is not really that important – just some arguing about prospective candidates for Patriarch in Russia. For some, this is a… Continue reading Fasting cannibals
Gleanings from the Holy Fathers: On Fasting
Fasting is an exceptional virtue; it represses bodily impulses and gives strength to the soul to fight against the poisoning of the heart through the senses, and provides it with a remedy against any past poisoning. Fasting causes the mind to be cleansed constantly. It whithers up every evil thought and brings healthy, godly thoughts… Continue reading Gleanings from the Holy Fathers: On Fasting