FAST TO BREAK FREE from the tyranny of our nothingness AND TO STRENGTHEN the Divine Image in us

The Orthodox rules of fasting, followed by the whole Orthodox Church:
www.oca.org/li...
---
T O S U P P O R T T H E M O N A S T E R Y:
By PayPal & Credit / Debit Cards: mullmonastery....
B Y C H E Q U E (U S A only) - Cheques should be written to 'American Friends of the Celtic Saints' and sent to: 3736 W County Rd 4, Berthoud, CO 80513. All cheque donors will receive a tax-receipt for their donation.
---
I C O N S, S P I R I T U A L B O O K L E T S and P R A Y E R R O P E S made at the Monastery are available through our online store: shop.mullmonas...
---
Remember to S U B S C R I B E and S H A R E !
---
The video 'FAST TO BREAK FREE from the tyranny of our nothingness AND TO STRENGTHEN the Divine Image in us' was recorded by Fr Seraphim Aldea, at Mull Monastery (The Orthodox Monastery of All Celtic Saints), on the Isle of Mull.

[@tyxikosgatpopoulos4004]

As an Orthodox priest I can say personally that when I fast I feel closer to God. During a period of bad health I was told by my doctors not to fast. I never felt so spiritually empty. I also felt as if I had betrayed all those martyrs who suffered unto death without complaining. May God bless you all.

[@seronymus]

Are you really a priest, Father? If so, may I please request your prayers? Please, pray for Holly, Alison, Nicole, Adam, and all my online followers. It's a long story and I'm sorry if that's awkward. Call me J. God bless you

[@tyxikosgatpopoulos4004]

@@seronymus Of course I am really a priest or I would not have said so. I will definitely pray for you and your friends and I hope you will.pray for me. God bless you all.

[@FrMarkGoring]

Watching this as I prepare dinner 😬

[@JohnchapterVersesand]

Orthodox and catholic that's amazing Father.

[@terrytzaneros8007]

@@JohnchapterVersesand : apoFatic Orthodox or cataFatic Catholic we both need to shed the bad fats of this world and our Egos.

[@JohnchapterVersesand]

@@terrytzaneros8007 absolutely

[@hiddensaint3251]

Haha!!

[@prodigaldawtr7907]

Father Mark knows who to watch on YT 🤣

[@franciscafazzo3460]

I'm in a bondage terrible life seeking prayer and counsel and a spiritual father

[@kevinzalac8945]

Thank you, Father. I’m a former professional fighter and i still instruct and work full time as a firefighter. My relationship to food has always been as fuel to perform job/fight/coach/be dad/be husband. Because of this, i approach fasting periods with fear and a million excuses of why I should allow butter or eggs, etc. This is all...static I have to contend with. And I will create excuses “oh it’s 3am and we just got back from a bad fire/overdose/wreck..surely I deserve a glass of milk and a doughnut! “ it is pride saying this and some demon of entitlement. The next excuse is ‘eat or you won’t be able to help anyone at the next call’. This is not true as fasting is not starving. The mind-static comes from a sports specific relation to food and calories....not a spiritual relationship to food. I understand this relationship to the Eucharist and being completely fasted prior to Communion. I have a lot of trouble bringing this same...patience of relationship to day to day food during fasts. I suppose... that is a weakness of faith, at its root. Fear I will not have strength to perform such and such task. These are anxieties I feel. Please pray for me, father. And thank you again for making these dialogues available to us. God bless you and the monastery

[@richardbenitez7803]

Fr Seraphim’s talk reminds me deeply of my 9 years as a serious zen Buddhist student. Three and eight day fasting and meditation periods blazing exposed our ego, or self. We were to expose ourselves to our nothingness for the purpose of poking holes in the invisible polyethylene plastic shield we unknowingly build up as a self that does not exist on its own. Well, that’s Buddhism. I quit and returned to my catholic upbringing.

[@franciscafazzo3460]

Pray for my healing ❤️

[@RTUvideoproductions]

'Unless of course you want to get rid of your children which probably is understandable through the pandemic!!!!!' Bless you father and your great humor,I'm still laughing!!!! Great approach about the fasting,maybe you can give some advise for people who grow up in Orthodox countries,as it seems we do fast without understanding what we do. Thank you again !!!

[@franciscafazzo3460]

Pray for me

[@maaikekamstra7353]

Thank you so much for explaining this topic, it is a very deep and difficult subject. There are a lot of women in the West with eating-disorders. This is a real problem. When I was a child I was very thin. My mother don't like that. She say: "No men love thin womens". So I start to eat, till I was fat. Then she say: "Men dont like fat women". My whole metabolism was a mess. But I know from praying the Jesus-prayer and let your words of healing and wisdom go into my soul...there is a tenderness who want to heal. Deeply heal us. Your voice GO in this hidden parts of my soul. Your words bring me to the most shamefull and most hurt parts. I am a very strong and blessed women. Listen to Father Seraphim point to all the hidden pain inside me. I feel the deep deep deep love. Immense love flowing now in the desert places of my heart. Coming trhough the words of Father Serafim. May we walk in His footsteps. Because the Lord give us the opportunity to hear his voice.

[@alfredhitchcock45]

Reinforce the Divine Image (Imago Dei) in us

[@Subeffulgent]

I can't remember how long it's been now that I've fasted on Wednesdays and Fridays but I remember in the beginning it was like being tormented by all my sins all at once and now I look forward to it almost like my vacation time from away from the world. Keep up the good work and may God bless you and your family 👉✝️

[@christinachamley3365]

Reflecting on what you’ve said Father, my thoughts: the more that individuals and society become overfed/obese (food and materialism) the more we become spiritually malnourished. To reverse this, we need to reduce our pursuit of “consumption” , put the brakes on that constant behaviour and necessarily then refill ourselves with the food/s of Christ. We have fear that the food of Christ will not sustain us, that we will suffer from want - but that is a lack of trust and courage, and results in us putting our faith and security in the hands of worldly consumption again.

[@missnicegirl8848]

Thank you so much God bless u♡

[@ΠΑΡΔΝ]

Amen

[@MatthiasPendragon]

Thank you for this Father. I have recently seen the connection between my consumption of food and my having panic attacks, and acting out in sinful ways (often as a result of said panic.) I have been trying to be more disciplined about my food, eating plainer, more simply, and less of it, and I have found when I do so my temptations have less hold on me, and I am less prone to panic and anxiety. Your conception of fasting "weakening the roots of nothingness" strikes a particular chord, as indulging in my sins makes me feel like a non-being. I look forward to the day when I am received fully into the church and can partake of the true feast. God bless you Father, you and the monastery are always in my prayers.

[@jackimohr1]

Thank you for this. It helps me regain focus during our Lent/Great Fast and when I get tempted to eat when I shouldn’t.. the words “nothing feeding nothing” it reminds me the flesh is dust, our spirits have eternal life. Thank you Father

[@colmcummings7393]

Fasting for me is on going...I do it coz it shuts the demon's up and let's me think clearly...😁

[@paxvobiscum9859]

Yes, the world is a distraction.

[@grez6330]

My brother.....thank you for your zeal....it helps me....😇

[@harrihuovinen9706]

Beautiful! Thank you so much again Father! The Lord be with you!

[@monizoe3188]

i want to learn how to use the boat... i thank you for sharing this valuable lesson dear friend. i wait with anticipation the next lesson. Blessings dear friend

[@bonnie_gail]

looking forward to receiving prayer rope, I know it is going to help me in focusing when praying our beloved Jesus Prayer

[@gretagarbo1119]

Jesus,very impressive story about St.Donnan!LABOUR NOT FOR THE MEAT WHICH PERISHETH,BUT FOR THAT MEAT WHICH ENDURETH UNTO EVERLASTING LIFE,WHICH THE SON OF MAN SHALL GIVE UNTO YOU:FOR HIM HATH GOD THE FATHER SEALED.🙏❤

[@colmwhateveryoulike3240]

Thank you father. God bless you. I tried the 40 day lenten fast last year and it was truly a lesson in humility with a reward thrown in. I wanted to make it 40 days with no food but I knew on the 21st day I should stop but I didn't. On the 22nd day I was so stubborn not to eat that I smoked instead - something I had given up a while beforehand. This made me faint and knock myself unconscious on the floor. So not only did I fail but I failed like an idiot. However, the nurse I saw turned out to be a Christian woman looking for someone like me (i'm an ecologist/horticulturist trying to carve out a niche as a steward of God's creation) to plant trees for their NGO so I thought that was perhaps the hand of God. Anyway, I clearly have an unhealthy history with food in general and perhaps not a little bit of the attitude you warn about here. But I did very much experience the separation from the world of nothingness during that fast and I became closer to God to some degree. Now after your last video I didn't fast from all food entirely on wednesday but just from the foods listed. I did find it positive to be obedient but also a lot easier and there is a part of me that worries it's not really enough to create that separation. So I just thought I'd post this so you know where I am as one of your listeners. I am not trying to make any particular point and I don't want you to spend any of your time writing a response but just wanted to provide an honest comment that may help you decide what to say to us in your next video, which I am looking forward to. :) Lots of love from across the way in Ireland. God bless you and the brothers and sisters.

[@elenalugos4477]

You do nothing do whit out blessing of your spiritual father , your priest . In your case better you eat something rather then smoking . Smoking is a sin , so be ware . God bless.

[@maaikekamstra7353]

"On the 22nd day I was so stubborn not to eat that I smoked instead - something I had given up a while beforehand. This made me faint and knock myself unconscious on the floor. So not only did I fail but I failed like an idiot." Thank you for sharing so much honesty. I am also very, very foolish. The only benefit from that utter foolish behaviour is that it saved me from getting proud. May the Lord bless us all. And we are so blessed with hearing the voice and feeling the love of Father Serafim. May the Lord be with him, bless him, guide him and heal his migraine.

[@colmwhateveryoulike3240]

@@maaikekamstra7353 Amen yes I had been praying for humility so it was the perfect result lol. It still comes to mind whenever I pretend to imagine I could be God's perfectly stoic little servant. *eyes to heaven* :) Amen amen amen. God bless you and God bless and heal Father Serafim.

[@colmwhateveryoulike3240]

@@elenalugos4477 Yes thank you. I had no priest then. I only recently started attending a GOC so now I am relieved to be obedient and all I pray to God for is to be obedient - no longer some big plan to save the world like before. And yes smoking is a sin. So is how I eat - I am a glutton. But thankfully God finally lifted smoking off me a few months ago just as He lifted lust off me a few years ago. Perhaps after this nativity fast I will have more temperance with regard to feeding my material body. I pray that God's will be done. God bless you.

[@followeroftheway8454]

Received prayer book and lovely picture that I ordered thank you.

[@wendyflanagan5738]

Thank you Fr Seraphim for all this clear guidance. As a Roman Catholic who seriously would love to see the body of Christ strong and united according to God's Plan, I realise I am not unselfish enough to embark on 40 days of fasting. I see the spiritual power of it. I have once followed a serious Ramadan fast when I taught in an Islamic school. It was very exhausting and an unforgettable fast. I lost weight and felt drained. I am not sure at this time of Pandemic if it is entirely wise or safe to risk anyone's immune system by a serious fast. I am not contradicting your superb guidance. In the Catholic Church, when the Church was not closed, we followed a booklet of readings and prayers to prepare for Advent leading to Christ's birthday. I hope people decide prayerfully what is righteous. Fasting is good and a holy sacrifice to discover Christ individually. Thank you Fr Seraphim and God bless you and Mull Monastery.

[@richardbenitez7803]

Well said. Thanks for the story. Very inspiring.

[@Dismas19]

🩸🌊 Thank you, Father

[@bluestropic]

Thank you for sharing your wisdom! Fasting puts distance between us and the world. That makes sense! I have struggled so long with successful fasting. I pray for you and your community

[@rosyjoseph7359]

From India,I go thr'o each of ur speech,this about fasting is 👍,God bless U Father

[@peterissajenko2311]

Thank You!

[@lcf3335]

Brilliantly said.. Thank you father.

[@meade5267]

Bless Fr. I understand the very present danger (for myself) to turn the fast into a legalistic thing. Especially because I converted to Orthodoxy from Jehovah's Witness (a work based faith). I'm am, though, very grateful that you posted these rules for us because I honestly didn't know. Glory to God , I've been doing it wrong the whole 9 years☦. Please know with all your heart that you are helping people with these videos. Thank you! You are most appreciated and in our prayers, always.

[@josephgirgisfouad7904]

Thank you father. Please pray for poor jo. ☝

[@zita-lein]

Dear Father, after looking at the rules, I feel I understand you. Without a guide, this rule set is not for me. I rely upon the Blessed Virgin and Her Son to provide for me. I will do my utmost to keep myself from pride. Thank you so much for these videos. I know they were exhausting for you to do. God bless you! ❤

[@camillaraymond8917]

This was absolutely beautiful. Thank you from Denver!

[@ekaterini9243]

Thank you father for explaining in more depth about the meaning of fasting ευλόγησων Θεέ μου

[@springwater9688]

From Brooklyn NYC. So happy to have discovered this channel yesterday! Giggling at all the criticism in the comments! Some of those people should start their own KZbin if they know so much! Oh well! It must help maybe with your humility. Thank you so much. Feel like I found true treasure here!

[@richardbenitez7803]

Fr seraphim is a pretty good chap! He has a way of saying things generally are not said and in a way that is refreshing.

[@KIREGREBRON]

I am one of those who want a clear message about the rules. I agree with you on what you say in the parable of a child who wants a toy, but as a sailor (radio officer), at the age of 71, I do not want to wait any longer, because I recently heard a Catholic priest say, that if you do not follow rules, but do things your own way, "then you do not actually worship God, but Satan!". I do not want to worship Satan! And, that is my only motivation for not committing an act that is contrary to the very purpose of fasting. I have fasted for various reasons before and one of them has been to lose weight. Not to worship God. But for some time now I have had a very, very strong longing to do in every way the will of God, not my own, probably as part of my whole life seeking God, or finding a trodden path to God, and preferably one that is as accurate as possible. So, I'm not saying you're wrong, but there are so many confusing and contradictory so-called "knowledge" on the net and if it were to be as the priest in a video said, it should be clear why one (I) is eager to get CLEAR directives. I think I already long ago actually understood why you fast, or to use your parable, how to build a boat (I have also been a boat builder). The role of the Church, whatever it may be, should be to proclaim the important and correct knowledge already in school, but all that knowledge shone with its absence when I went to school. I do not mean to hurt You, because I respect You very much, but still want to share how I feel, from the heart! However, I want to thank you for taking the time to do what the school should have done, a long time ago!

[@margareta7439]

So beautiful explained! I never thought about fasting in this way! With this understanding I will start again and I am sure that it helps me to keep it! Thank you Father and God bless you for all your effort to teach us in such a precious way!

[@ionvoiculet3210]

🙏

[@alysonwitt9662]

This talk has illuminated my mind in a way I have never understood before. This is essential!

[@luciaperezguerra105]

Thank you father, your videos and the fasting document gives me a new vision on this matter. I never fasted in my life and developed eating disorders since my childhood cause in my family everything can miss but food and we surrendered to the pleasure of eating. in my opinion, God is calling me to fast in order to heal me cause I never considered doing this and "out of the blue" I started to hear about this topic without being me looking for it. I must confess that initially, at the beginning of the year, I wanted diet not fasting. The word fasting didn't exist in my personal vocabulary. I used to look for diet programs to loose weight. Then I decided to give up on that. I didn't care about food sacrifice as a redemption way from my sins. Suddenly I heard about a 40 day healing fasting with only bread & water where Jesus is the one doing the fasting through our body and I thought: if He is the one fasting it should be so easy cause it won't be me actually. The purpose is to focus on prayer and get daily communion and sacramentals which will give us the real strenght. So I decided before immersing in this "extreme fastjng" to start slowly by myself meaning me (not Jesus) fasting twice a week. What a disaster!! It's been more like some sort of abstinency. At least it's something considering my backgroung. It's like a training. I know in the end I will manage. And I'm happy you did these videos with this profound view and meaning of fasting. I think I understand better now the purpose of this 40 day healing fasting my Catholic priest was talking about. Not that he was superficial on his explanations but me being new on this, I didn'f finish to understand why. the language you use, the way you put it gives a whole meaning to the fasting purpose and complete the ideas I already had. I thank God for leading me to you. God bless!!

[@judith5128]

Thank you father Seraphim- this was beautiful explanation of fasting which I think of as natural inclination toward wanting to be in closer communication with Christ. Sometimes I fast from things like electricity, cell phone, activity I enjoy (ballet, skating) it makes me realize I can live beautifully without them. God bless you. I'm so grateful for your love and understanding 🙏

[@CaponeCabin]

Many blessings to you for this lesson. 🙏🙏

[@flaviadan9474]

Bless you, Father for all the joy and clarity you bring into my life! This will be my first fast and I'm behaving exactly like the child and the boat! It was amusing to realize the truth of this. I spent my whole life up until now speaking against fasting because I love to eat delicious food and I was sincerely afraid of this long time with all the food I don't enjoy eating. If you can give more advice for first-time-fasting please do, I will greatly benefit from it, and probably some brothers and sisters here as well. Sărut mâna, Părinte!

[@virginiedesjardins7108]

Amen! Your videos are so helpful and so encouraging. Especially for new orthodox like myself. I thank you many times and wish you a most joyful Fast of the Nativity

[@PhoebeK]

Father bless, thankyou for discussing the real reason of fasting and for beginning to address the real issue and danger which lurks for those who have an unhealthy understanding of the body. One thing I hope you will be able to cover is directly addressing the issues faced by those who for whatever reason are forbidden by their spiritual fathers from fasting according to the strictest rules (this is all the more difficult for those who outwardly look heathy). I know from painful experience how difficult it can be to be obedient to such a rule when others assume and expect you to fast strictly and you cannot.

[@heatherwhitehead3743]

I think you're explaining why sometimes I can't make myself eat. I have to force myself sometimes. And this is what they call embracing nothingness. But no I was running from it.

[@ms.cordero2784]

I am so very thankful and happy that you have made this video. Sincerely looking forward to learning from future ones in this subject. I agree entirely, I have tried fasting many times but without strength in the spirit it is very hard to achieve. I truly want to dedicate myself this time around, dont want it to become a New Years resolution, I want it to be a way of life. God bless you, God bless your wisdom, your service, your monastery. Praying that everything goes well for you tomorrow Father.

[@Jamesdavis-vz3ho]

Hello, greeting and peace to you. I would like to say that you for your help with some important information and thank you I foe your time. Blessing to you and those whom you share with. You did help me and thank you much so joyful that the Holy Spirit directed me to your video.

[@Jamesdavis-vz3ho]

For your time not Foe apologize for the mistype

[@liehhungc3261]

Father, thank you so much for explaining the true meaning of Fast in a profound way. And by holding on to this, while striving to deepen my relationship with God, I pray that I should persevere through each fast. And I realized I do need a calendar to remind me when and how to fast year round, wow, wouldn't the boat that you had mentioned definitely train me to be obedient everyday?

[@Elany.lyon1388]

I've never heard it said like that. The word picture about the boat was spot on. And to know that it is not just an act of self will, but one of refusal, to the world and acceptance of His loving communion. Thank you for your time and guidance they are invaluable.

[@Birdsparty]

Any advice for these times where eucharistic communion is not possible, due to churches being closed? In terms of feeding our soul? Thank you!

[@anthonyfiore6003]

Thank you Father Seraphim. God Bless you. Your Prayers for me are being answered in mighty ways. Thank the Christ & Holy Mother for you. Amen. Amen. Ameen. PAX anthony fiore IX

[@georgiasmyrniou9059]

Best comments on the dynamics of fasting and feasting particular of the "Nothingness feeding Nothingness" which can apply in so many other passions of ours!!

[@drjohnn.sutherland3455]

Thank you, Father. This may prove useful as I battle with diabetes. God bless you.

[@JackManhire]

I was struggling with fasting for holy souls and this video came up. Thank you!!!

[@mihaicozea9428]

Multumesc parinte , salutari din Toronto, Canada

[@85AngelRogue]

Thank you father 🙏🏻 I’m currently fasting for Christmas , but i struggle with prayer while fasting

[@thedreadtyger]

i am glad to hear at the end that this is half of what you have to say.

[@johnfloydhumble5250]

Revelation has begun and more and worse world pandemics are coming. Monks eat a lot of beans. St. Anthony's Greek Orthodox Monastery in Florence, Arizona. Amazing Monastery and truly doing God's work.

[@mmaakkiinn]

Father im seeing so much confusion and deception everywhere...in your opinion what does Revelation and the mark of the beast represent...Revelation was given to us to know but who's interpretation is right how can we know the correct meanings ..or should we not try to interpret it and let be

[@OstensiveLyme]

"At a time when more and more people feel the need... to deal with eschatological events... we must especially stand with the view of Elder Porphyrios, and decode why such a great Saint of our time... avoided talking about these things." orthochristian.com/58060.html

[@littlesoul8908]

@@OstensiveLyme thank you for your link, it helps to know what ground to stand. i have all books of conversations by Saint Paisios (have not finished their readings yet) and also lovely book by father Porhyrios -Wounded by Love. I found that many people are asking about prohecies and are looking for them but not to adjust their lives but for thrill of shocking information ... :-( i liked in the article when it says that St Porhyrios send the disciple to St Paisios to stop talking about it :-))

[@oksanatulpa7984]

As we fast we need to drink or eat Calcium and magnesium or else the heart would be broken , because our nerves are made from this two elements , not from chocolate or sugar )

[@Kuruflower]

What if we viewed our bodies as a temple for our spirit, and food as a gift from almighty God. Eating would be a sacred action. Also, our actions could be considered 'love in action'. It is a change of perception, realizing our innate holiness. Yes humility, yes compassion, yes gratitude, yes charity.

[@JockStud]

Glory Be To Christ

[@crbgo9854]

to lose wieght I had to remember eating is a function not a pleasure

[@muchtested]

Thank you, Father, for the further teaching on fasting. Didn't Adam and Eve have physical bodies in Eden? I was a little confused by you saying they had "put on skin" after disobeying God.

[@happylittletrees5668]

He was referring to Genesis 3:21 where God made Adam and Eve garments of skins and clothed them.

[@DanSuolo]

Thank you Father! I'm going to read the rules today I would like to learn to sail a boat!

[@hollyvondross9635]

Does the Eucharist become part of our body by feeding our cells. Only been explained that it is gone when digested. Is He physically part of me.

[@gretagarbo1119]

Yesssssss!He s physically part of me!He enters more deeply into the composition of my members,and into all the joints,into the bones and into the heart.I am His house.Saints were very careful to walk slowly,so as not to shake Baby Jesus Who rests in their heart. When we receive the Bread,we receive the Body of Christ with His members.This is what St.Simeon the New Theologian says:WE MAKE OURSELVES THE LIMBS OF CHRIST,AND CHRIST BECOMES OUR LIMBS.CHRIST BECOMES MY HAND,CHRIST,THE FOOT OF MINE.THE HAND OF CHRIST,THE FOOT OF CHRIST,I AM,THE SINNER!I MOVE MY HAND,AND MY HAND IS THE WHOLE CHRIST I MOVE MY FOOT,AND,BEHOLD,IT SHINES LIKE HIM!🤗❤

[@laureah21]

I’m not sure I understand what is meant by “nothingness” as even matter is something. Am I understanding that in fasting our goal is to not feed our material body which is good and wonderfully made but tends to be the thing we focus on a lot here in the world and instead to feed our spiritual nature through communion that fasting helps us to enter into with our creator in a Spiritual feeding?

[@wierdpocket]

I’m confused: it seems that you are saying that matter is nothingness, or that matter is bad, but the fathers and especially the early church councils warned against this kind of thinking as it lead to types of Gnosticism. Matter isn’t nothing; God made it and saw that it was good. Moreover, God becomes matter and dwells in His creation. There is a nothingness within the created order (sin), but it seems we should be careful not to confuse that nothingness with creation itself. I am probably misunderstanding you. Please clarify if you ever find the time. Thank you, brother.

[@JohnPaul-lc1ol]

Nothingness = gluttony -fasting = grow in holiness and more active in spiritual life more able to confront temptations

[@morrisrobin9]

I too need more understanding of what you mean by nothingness.

[@ks5950]

"The real feast is to consume the body and blood of Christ, everything else reinforces our nothingness." This is so revealing it leaves one stunned. Why is it father that in some orthodox churches almost all take communion during the service.? Then the other extreme you see only younglings or babies held by adults taking communion? On one hand we are told that we should take communion at every Sunday service but on the other there is an avoidance due to not being fully prepared?Also may this be a difference between different countries/cultures? What is it that makes us think to take communion and then stop, going on to thinking all the reasons not to whether be it unconfessed sins, feelings of not being worthy or fear of being judged from others who are also not taking communion from the congregation at the time? If to take communion is the most important action we choose to take(with the supervision of priest) why does it cause so much deliberation? For I do believe that within the chalice is the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ and not as some heretics say its symbolism. Here it is when you hear "with fear of God approach" its no small matter but completion of what we have been instructed by God to do .

[@BananaZen7]

i find the Orthodox rules of fasting too complex...Catholic rules of fasting are much simpeler and clearer...Orthodox christian rules actually resemble Orthodox jewish rules in their complexity...

[@OstensiveLyme]

I suppose my 'question' about the fasting rules, is why I would take them as fitting for me here in Canada at this time in history, when they were developed at a time when shellfish weren't understood and experienced as they are today, and in a place where a distinction between "olive oil" and "vegetable oil" was meaningful. To connect to your analogy about Adam and Christ in the garden: It does not feel to me that I have intimacy with a Father who is giving me the fast that fits my life context. But rather I've inherited a tradition that- on these points- is a bit dusty and ethnically unfit for my context. I dont feel any of this strongly however. The value of obedience is wonderful. But I honestly cannot take the rules as literally and precisely as you seem to suggest is best, because they are so clearly dated and ethnically specific.

[@OstensiveLyme]

Another analogy: To understand the spirit of the fast, it seems it needs translating. Much like the problem of holding on to old and outdated languages for the Liturgy- the words stay the same but meaning is lost when the common tongue changes.

[@danielwoldu1855]

We Ethiopians fasting from morning to 3 pm ,we eat once in 24 hrs in lent .only we eat vegetables and crops products , we don't eat dairy products during fasting time

[@florencetivoli10]

So helpful thankyou.

[@CG-mx2wu]

I don't feel all food is "nothingless" like you mention. God made healthy natural food - fruits and vegetables - these types of foods are definitely not "nothingless". (Maybe chemically made foods are nothingless but everything God made (including natural things) is good. Man-made so-called "food" is addicting to most people and causes many many health issues.

[@milkamustakylytar5204]

Lord Jesus Christ Son Of God AbsoluteLove Because of Your Iperaia Theotoke's intercessions, Have Your Mercy most Happiest ways, & without stopping on Your hieromonk Seraphim. And : Rescue him. 💛💝 Thank You . A m e n . [ 💛💝 = a.o. , Holy Apostle Mark's Gospel 12:29-31 !! = Love's double command. ] ☦ i'm the most sinner of Tellus ; so my gluttony to eat secular nothingnesses is stronger than me. But : even after that, AbsoluteLove's Rescuing Mercy embraced me, by Greek Prayer : "weather i want it or not, Rescue me!" that Prayer includes now our Praying rule. 🌱🌾 p.s. can you tell us, how you say "Jesus Christ" and "Thank you" at picti-language?