CLOSER TO GOD THROUGH FASTING

[@Joshualbatross]

I am a new Christian, and although I am not yet Orthodox, I made an attempt at fasting in the beginning of this Nativity season. I fell early on, and hadn't really kept it up until today when I saw this video. Father Spyridon, your wise words have inspired me just now to make a serious second attempt at it. Thank you and may God be with you.

[@craigmouldey2339]

My priest ordered me not to do the complete fast but a baby fast. He said to eat anything except meat. No chicken, no beef or pork etc. Fish is ok. Eggs, cheese, dairy ok. Just no meat.

[@lupinthe4th400]

Little by little we become better everyday. Don't be sad. Only that you realised God's truth is a good start! Keep it up! 😊

[@tyxikosgatopoulos3094]

God is interested in our efforts. When we fail in a sincere attempt he will give us strength to.continue.

[@freeman8128]

You did well to have tried. Keep trying; you will not be perfect first time but repeated practice makes perfect.

[@ciscodealmeida8541]

@@craigmouldey2339 your priest is a fake.

[@radicalgreek99]

Self control brings us all closer to God.

[@llluminatixx7]

Based

[@balsamitrovic4346]

Amin

[@avanticurecanti9998]

I've only been Orthodox for about two years now. Nobody could have prepared me for this kind of struggle.

[@craigmouldey2339]

Same here. From the beginning, my priest ordered me to do a baby fast because otherwise I will become discouraged easily. For this Nativity, without his approval, I decided to try the complete fast. By day two I was already in trouble. So, I'm back to the baby fast, no meat and I will try on other days to simply deprive myself of eggs when I might otherwise eat them, or cheese.

[@lupinthe4th400]

Please do not excessively push yourself. Christianity is not self harm. Little by little we become better everyday. With joy and love to God 😊It is a common mistake for new Orthodox Christians to show their dedication by overdoing things. This way they burn out and do not grow roots in the ground. It is like the story with the seeds burned by the sun. God bless!

[@neilwhitaker6284]

@@craigmouldey2339 what is a "baby fast"? I wanted to take part this year but I know I'll never be able to do the proper fast for 40 days.

[@tyxikosgatopoulos3094]

As a priest I am inspired by the simplicity and clarity of his explanations.

[@shotpusher]

I’m not Orthodox, don’t know a thing about it but I’m a Christian without much fellowship & your talks are helpful✝️

[@MEWT_VOLUME]

Then you know plenty!!

[@timothywilliamson8901]

Don't despair. Pray for help and keep faith with those that are willing. God bless you. Amen.

[@followerofjesuschristourgo2432]

Fasting helps fight your spiritual battles , the ones the naked eye cannot always see but “ sense”, also though some mystery fasting gives us good virtues. You are able to differentiate good from bad and connect closer to our Lord, providing we do good, love all, give to others and forgive. Remember every struggle, every sacrifice is known to God. He will not forget you and He will never ever , ever , ever leave you. Just always turn to Him no matter what sin you have committed. “ Whoever has an ear, listen to what the spirit is saying”. Thank you father and thank you always our Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth. You are Awesome, Great and always Victorious! ✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️

[@Andriulli25]

I have experimented with all sorts of fasts the past year: 24 hours, back to back 48s, 5 days. But this is my first Lent trying to be serious and follow the rules and it is harder when you bring in the spiritual component. Praise be to you Lord Jesus Christ

[@jonhowerton2537]

Follow which lent rules of fasting?

[@paulabartlett8271]

Thanks be to God! Perfect timing..

[@a.b.37-f9v]

Beautiful Father. Thanks be to God!!! 😊

[@hollowgreen4205]

This is why I deeply respect Orthodox spirituality. Because it’s true and God honouring. As a Protestant I see my brothers and sister seeking spirituality in all the wrong ways. I.E. the Charismatic Movement. This is true biblical mysticism. May the Triune God continue to bless you!

[@ZacharyClause]

Ayo r u still Protestant or are u Orthodox now?

[@hollowgreen4205]

@@ZacharyClause in the process of becoming a catechumen

[@ZacharyClause]

@@hollowgreen4205 ayyyyy let’s goo

[@kristoforredafneros2432]

thank you from Australia

[@ikasugami]

I had just had the thought yesterday of how we so easily cling to God during rough times....yet during the good times when we should be clinging to God in our joy and gratitude is when we get lax. This was a reminder to me that fasting is a means by which we can be sure to cling to God, even during those good times. Thank you, Father....God bless you.

[@nancyincanada5553]

This is something I've been struggling with and praying about for quite some time. I needed this message today. It is truly an answer/guidance from God. Thank you, Father Spyridon. May God bless you.

[@enkubella]

Perfect time as we are fasting like the Apostles did waiting for Jesus Christ. Thank you for continually posting these, may God bless you.

[@garycornwell2431]

Thank you Brother Spyridon it is always good to hear from you, we must always remember that this is for GOD and that we must always be in prayer and the Word of the LORD. May God bless you always Brother Spyridon.

[@balsamitrovic4346]

Amin

[@JensPetter95]

Oh Lord, may I be filled with the Holy Spirit and enter into fasting and praying, for too long I've stumbled and failed in this, may it be so now that I'm able to take up my cross and commit myself fully to The Almighty.

[@andreim2761]

I do not wish to entice you Father, but thank you for the warmth of your preaching and calm, soft voice. Your words in the Holy Spirit act like potent healing ointment for the soul. God bless

[@antonkirani2758]

Lord Jesus Christ , son of God , have mercy on me , a sinner.

[@willtheperson7224]

Thank you Fr. Spyridon

[@McIntyreBible]

6:25, fasting itself can lead into a state of humility.

[@bouseuxlatache4140]

Thank you Father

[@jeffdutcher3676]

I love the advice , reminds me of the book about Elder Michael of Vaalam keep getting up after a fall , Getting in the Arena and trying to fast and control my thoughts has been a real humbling process .

[@sharongetachew9360]

Father Sprydion, you are so cool. Love you so much, may God bless all your work for Him. Oh how I wish i could meet with you in person! And that you could be my confession Father. Thanks so much for sharing with us your wisdom!

[@lyt_w8t]

he is not cool! he is warm! warm is better

[@theowias3]

Thank you Fr for this video. Very much appreciated and helpful. Blessings!

[@ivygarcia9525]

Thank you so much. I've been so self indulgent all my life that this is harder than I thought it'd be. God bless you for your words of encouragement!

[@deegee2849]

Father, I have recently found your channel and I am so thankful that I have. Please pray for me.

[@LowlyZazy]

Thank you, Father Spyridon. We love you! May we all repent!

[@Karposh_]

I'm currently fasting for Lent and these words of wisdom have come at a very opportune time. Thank you Father.

[@LukiaSierra]

Kissing you hand Father. Thank you for such timely teachings! 🙏☦️

[@annkellett7592]

The right message at the right time! As a former Protestant, I thank you!

[@trevor2544]

I used to be a Protestant to!!!!! Welcome home!

[@rosehavenfarm2969]

Thank you, Father

[@belamitrovcak4219]

Thank you Father, As a sinful servant I realize in fasting how far that I have fallen and how much greater God’s grace is to forgive a wretch like me.

[@DChristina]

This touched my heart in a big way- thank you Fr Spyridon💗 Very encouraging in such a challenging area for me.

[@Србомбоница86]

Food is my biggest vice , especially sweets ,it truly is like a drug to me ,I need to fast

[@stephenstephenson8349]

Sugar has the same addictive properties as cocaine or any addictive drug,that's why it's hard to give it up.

[@patriciagleve4784]

the struggle, and the persistance, are part of our offering through fasting, and God sees their truth. Thank you Father Spyridon.

[@Publius-24]

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.

[@hazelskilos3993]

I struggle with this so much. Thank you for giving a perspective I truly understand. Glory to God.

[@dave_dave_dave_dave_dave]

I have to say thank you Father Spyridon, your words truly help with the struggles of temptation and sin. I Hope you continue spreading such good advice and great wisdom from the lord. I thank you and wish you peace.

[@pauloakes5718]

Life is pain,death is pain and we all pay for the planting of our forefathers fruit.

[@vevethrocha7183]

Thank you father. I needed to listen to it.

[@matthew5486]

Thank you Father, this video was what I needed.. God bless you and your works. Loves from Turkey ❤️☦️

[@elizabethmichael2878]

This is the very clearest understanding to understand what fasting is and also is not.

[@Caledoniadream]

Our whole life is a struggle. The important thing is to get up and go on.

[@angelikigoumenis]

Wonderful word..thank you

[@voidzy7]

"The body prospers in the measure in which the soul is weakened, and the soul prospers in the measure in which the body is weakened." - Abba Daniel

[@McIntyreBible]

1:56, fasting enables us to have a fresh encounter with God, etc.

[@annez9767]

It's a blessing to see gluttony so clearly in the mirror! This struggle isn't here by chance.

[@jdogyt]

Wow, I am so weak in times of fasting. But in times that I find the strength to truly fast, I have received an unction from the Holy Ghost.

[@andrewm9221]

Господи Иисусе Христе, Cын Божий, помилуй меня грешную

[@andrewm9221]

@@rubeng160 Thank you so much, this is helpful, yes, my mistake. Now I know, blagodaryu Vass

[@jennykyriakopoulos9438]

Thank you father 🙏☦️

[@julieramosaea8834]

Now I understand that, it's no only about food, but the my way of living must adjust too. Once again thankyou

[@thattimestampguy]

0:19 Fasting: Spiritual Medicine 0:44 Deny The Body. The Soul is Master over The Body. “A pleasure loving body will only lead to sin.” 2:00 Ascend to meet God 2:25 A Lack of Self-Control is a sin. Self-Discipline can apply to all endeavors. 3:09 The Devil 👿 trying to prevent every Good deed. 1. Plants Despair 😩 2. Plants Antagonistic Doubt “If we want to grow crops, we must labor… we struggle that our souls may offer to God what is pleasing to Him.” 3. Plants Pride

[@Alex-vs2sh]

Grow like the mustard seed start small and become very large!! Ive always struggled with pride in my life and find it important to keep the fact that I’m fasting secret from friends or family else it destroys the whole point of doing it to connect with God!

[@ivygarcia9525]

God bless you father 💗🙏💓

[@thisisgeorge2117]

I needed to hear this today. Glory to God!

[@JohnTheRevelator11]

I needed this today. Starting my first fast but easing into it, amazing God timing for this to pop up on my thread. The calm warmth in your voice is always comforting and makes the information easy to digest mentally and emotionally. God bless you and thank you-

[@Sudden-Death]

This has helped me tremendously thank you

[@Gehnesiz]

Dear father Spyridon. First of all I want to thank you for your videos. We are now in the Lent Fast period and I wanted to ask you if you could make a video about how to fast? I read so many different opinions online that are confusing me and I bet alot of other people new to fasting too. Thanks. God bless you.

[@jamessalazar6702]

Lord make me like a little child 🤗

[@normalopez2856]

I thank you so much for this video. Today I started fasting again. Your words gave me clear thoughts.

[@McIntyreBible]

I like what you said that fasting “is not a legalistic requirement ” (5:56).

[@Xelaju2013]

great thinkers, men more godly than myself, helped me realize a powerful truth that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.(John Piper) Living our lives in His presence, being aware of our old sinful nature at war with our new divine nature, and becoming comfortable with the uncomfortable process of sanctification. I appreciate the truths I hear in videos like this one too. God bless.

[@alexdaglas9728]

Thank you father for sutch a great vedeo on fasting good timing during lent. Our love from Australia

[@ravenwild6951]

Thank you.

[@Dusty4u]

thank you

[@kuriankuttikattuvarughese3682]

Thanks

[@bluemercy297]

Yahoo lord bless u sweet brother. Have not seen u do 2 mission I've gone 2. I'm back😸yeeeeees fasting we do feel the difference when eating and turning our plate. Amen amen🤗

[@julieramosaea8834]

Thank you very much for the encouragement, really help me alot

[@mjk2l257]

Thank you for inspiring words

[@andrewstidham7950]

Wouldn't hurt to just do it all the time ... God deals with me on fasting this flesh does not want to die willingly...

[@rafaelaugustobetance]

Thank You do much.

[@gregp8497]

Thank you brother

[@McIntyreBible]

7:15, quotations of saints on fasting.

[@CHRISTisKing197]

Over a year ago my Christian landlord gave me a book on fasting. I judged that book by its cover and never read it, perhaps after hearing this I will give it a try

[@McIntyreBible]

4:57, St. Gregory’s Palamas graphic example is very appropriate!

[@ivygarcia9525]

AMEN! ☺🙏

[@fractaldreams1822]

Self-control and self-sacrifice is the actual battle Christians face daily. The temptations the devil tries to trip us up with are: greed, ego, and materialism. Proverbs gives us a list of things God doesn't like, and the devil uses that list to attack us. Stay strong, courageous, and faithful. Cast down all imagination that goes against God. ✝️💖

[@McIntyreBible]

7:15, quotations of fasting by saints.

[@jamessalazar6702]

This guy hits different

[@merelloeve123]

thank u

[@BindingTheYoke]

Father.. would you consider doing a reflection on how to best overcome anger and impatience with yourself and with others?

[@FatherSpyridonROCOR]

I think I would benefit from doing this, thank you.

[@BindingTheYoke]

Thank you @@FatherSpyridonROCOR I look forward to it.

[@tj8727]

Truth. 💯

[@gybx4094]

Interesting that "intermittent fasting" is now being accepted in secular nutritionist and athletic organizations. Science is just now discovering what the Hebrews and Traditional Christians have known for a few millennia. I don't know about Eastern Orthodox, but Coptic Orthodox fast on Wednesday and Friday every week. They also have "vegetarian fasts" for those who must do hard physical labor. Water is always allowed.

[@gybx4094]

@alterdestiny They have different traditions and some theological differences. Coptics have a Pope rather than a Patriarch. I just don't know that much about Eastern Orthodox compared to Coptics, but the previous Pope of Egypt had very good relations with the Russian Orthodox Patriarch Alexy II.

[@Србомбоница86]

Oh yes we in Serbian Orthodox Church also fast on Wednesday and Friday ,no meat ,dairy,eggs allowed .And our long fasts are truly brutal

[@stephenstephenson8349]

@@Србомбоница86 can you take me through your typical days on wednesdays and fridays when you fast ?

[@banditnip0345]

This guy always gives great talks that I walk away from with lots of food for thought. I wonder why he wears different kinds of hats. I know he's Russian Orthodox but what are the hats he wears? Do each one of them have a certain significance?

[@iktomi5]

Brilliant 110%

[@michaelarnold417]

I look forward to seeing the new, slim Spyridon! 😁

[@michaelarnold417]

@Herman of Alaska The '😁' is a clue...

[@ebahapo]

Father, bless. If I may, to fast was the second commandment. Actually, the first commandment given to Adam and Eve in Eden was to have children.

[@swordofgod2835]

Needed this video. I think I need to fast

[@ronaldinocrosdale7622]

Needed this

[@kevincherian8190]

Like if Fr. Spyridon is da bomb.

[@elizabethshaw734]

It's no issue for me too fast. I was vegan for 11 years I have had no appetite since I was 21 I have been fasted for 6 months in the hospital and gained muscle due to a growth disorder of one me! I only eat once a day maybe between nine and midnight.

[@kirkbowyer3249]

SAINT JOHN 14:6 JESUS SAITH TO HIM: I AM THE WAY, AND THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE. NO MAN COMETH TO FATHER , BUT BY ME.

[@elizabethshaw734]

If I have the vision of God will anyone believe me? Most likely not even my church!

[@makycaris4672]

Hello father I wanted to know where is your monastery church in the USA Very good videos thx

[@dansgone2229]

In Acts 15:19-20, it is written that to the gentiles Peter says only that they abstain only from things strangled and from blood. Neither does saint Paul preach fasting.

[@qwikss4469]

I’ve learned that fasting as an orthodox Christian, but without a true orthodox spiritual life, means nothing. It can actually have negative spiritual effects.

[@Lahdo]

🙏☦

[@raychandler2757]

Father Spyridon, your channel has been very efficacious in my inquiries into the Orthodox faith. Could you clarify which Bible is used and why there is an apparent connection to the King James. I look forward to your presentations.

[@bolshoefeodor6536]

Becoming Orthodox means you really DO leave your old life behind you. It is a very serious form of spiritual emigration from the old country your life used to be!