Fasting is probably one of the most frequently ignored practices of the Orthodox Church, at least in this country. There are more differences in observance between families on this point than on any other. Some families never fast; others follow faithfully the strictest rule. This month, as we enter the Great Lent, we should review a few of the reasons why we should fast, the benefits to be gained from fasting, the proper attitude during fasting, and the method or rule to be followed in fasting.

The first purpose of fasting is the purification of our bodies. When a patient enters a hospital, one of the first things the doctor regulates is his diet. The physician restricts the patient’s intake of certain foods as part of his treatment. Fasting serves much the same purpose. During Lent we cut down both on the types and amount of food we eat, some thing which many of us should do simply for reasons of health. In this way, we get our bodies in shape, like an athlete in training, so that we can better face the spiritual struggles of Lent and of life.

Another reason for fasting is that it helps us to put the material world and our physical needs in proper perspective. How often do we hear someone say that they cannot live without meat? But any healthy person can easily survive the seven weeks or so of Lent without any distress. Learning that we can go through Lent without meat helps us to realize that so many of the things we consider “necessities” are actually luxuries. We discover that we do not really need these things for our material existence and that they certainly do not contribute to our spiritual growth. Our Lord often speaks on this theme: “And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be of anxious mind. For all the nations of the world seek these things; and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek His Kingdom, and these things shall be yours as well” (Luke 12:29-31). “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, … but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven … For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:19-21). The Gospels contain many such statements. Fasting is one of the best ways of redirecting our attention back to God and His Kingdom.

Another benefit which we derive from fasting is self-discipline. By strictly refraining from meat for a period of time (a truly small matter), we strengthen our souls, enabling them to withstand more serious temptations. “All good thoughts and virtues have a close affinity to one another… On account of this affinity a voluntary submission to one good thought induces a natural submission to another good thought. The acquisition of one virtue brings into the soul another virtue …” (St. lgnatius Brianchaninov). Therefore, building up our ability to resist the small temptation to eat meat makes it easier for us to acquire the greater virtues and to resist greater temptations. Spiritual strengthening depends on self-discipline, and one of the best forms of self-discipline is fasting.

Fasting can also become a focus for strengthening the religious life of the family. Meals are among the few family activities left in our hectic society. Fasting gives these family gatherings an additional Christian dimension. Fasting can make meals, in effect, small worship services in which the
special diet helps to direct the thoughts of those present toward our Savior and the upcoming celebration of His Resurrection.

A fifth reason for fasting is especially appropriate to Great Lent, the preparation for Holy Week and Easter. Fasting “inconveniences” and “deprives” us and thus permits us to participate, in a very small way, in the suffering of Christ. By fasting we become martyrs, in a sense, as we dedicate to God that portion of our lives we spend in eating. We obtain by this means an even greater benefit: by participating in a small way in our Lord’s Passion, we can experience more deeply the joy of His Resurrection. We take up the Cross of Lent so that we may be raised up with our Savior at His Resurrection.

The rule of fasting in the Orthodox Church is a very strict one; it forbids not only meat but also fish and all animal products (eggs, dairy products, etc.). The fasting rules, however, are not laws which we must rigidly adhere to. Rather, they are a standard which each household should follow as closely as it can. Some families, for example, omit only meat from their diets during Lent (eating fish, eggs, and other animal products) and follow the strict rule for Holy Week. No matter what program a family uses, the main point is that its members keep to it without exception and that they follow it prayerfully, remembering why they are fasting. In this way we all can share more meaningfully in our Lord’s death and in His glorious
Resurrection.

(NOTE: Infants, pregnant women, the ill, and others who for medical reasons must follow special diets are, of course, exempt from fasting.)