How the Church Fasts

An introduction to the ancient Christian modes of fasting, as kept by the Eastern Orthodox Church today. For more information: visit an Orthodox Church
LINKS:
A short article on Orthodox fasting: www.oca.org/questions/dailyli...
Another article: www.oca.org/orthodoxy/the-ort...
Another article on fasting (this one is designed for kids, but it's so good for everyone else too): orthodoxpebbles.com/orthodox-...
A little video about fasting from Steve at Be the Bee: • Be the Bee #9 | Fastin...
Another one from him: • Be the Bee #25 | Fasti...
Matushka Frederica in a short video about fasting: • Eastern Orthodox Fasti...
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[@feeble_stirrings]

Might sound weird, but as a convert I've found fasting to be a true gift.

[@Patristix]

Not weird at all!

[@TheAtlarchy]

I agree

[@joanna400]

It is. The modern world is missing a lack of discipline. Think of children who get whatever they want whenever they want it. They become extremely spoiled rotten. If a child grows up with self control, it's far easier to resist dangerous temptations like drugs and hedonistic sex. Less likely to overeat even. It's so good for adults too.

[@nickstewart7704]

I agree.

[@NavelOrangeGazer]

Yes. It makes you so aware of the over consumption of food that is widespread in the modern western world.

[@HonkeyHero18]

Dude, you taught me something today that I sincerely wish that I knew last advent. I am a new Orthodoxy Christian, currently a catechumen, and I'm trying to be better everyday. The part at the 6:25 mark is what I'm referring about, where apparently you say that if you're a guest at someone's house and they give you food that is not under the laws of the fast, that you should eat it anyways, thank God, and then continue with the fast. I love that you used scripture to back it up, with Luke 10:8. "Whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you." All good things come from God, including hospitality. I didn't know that at all, and if I did know that, I could've avoided so much grief from my family this last advent by just eating the food my mom gave me during Christmas breakfast, and dinner. I caused a lot fo strife because I wouldn't partake in the family meals with them, and I felt like such crap for doing that and I was so sad. Thank you for teaching me this, that I didn't have to do my family like that. I am obviously gonna triple check with my priest next time I see him, about this, to see what he says. But I am sure he will agree. Again, thank you, that sincerely helped me a lot.

[@Patristix]

Very glad to hear! All the practices we do, including fasting, are rooted in love.

[@joanna400]

Yes, I feel like the true spirit of fasting is self control and not offending others. It's ok to tell people you fast, but not make it a big deal. My family would never go out of their way for our practices at home, but I don't expect that of them and as their guest, I just maybe don't have as much and refuse alcohol. Little things without being rude can be done so others don't even know you are restricting yourself in some small way.

[@HonkeyHero18]

@@joanna400 Yeah, in the future I'm absolutely gonna be better with this. I dont want people to know I'm fasting anymore after what happened last advent. I want it to be between me and God now.

[@lynmargaretnorwood8015]

Love is Gods food .

[@nicks0alive]

I didnt know that either, I was always confused about how to hide a fast, especially when people give food. I always deny and then have to explain why, and then also feel bad like ive disappointed them.

[@Christiansymbolism]

please don't give up. you do really cool videos from orthodox side.

[@Patristix]

Thank you!

[@Caleb.S.Spangenberg]

I am a Charismatic Anabaptist (descriptive of myself and not of a denomination, for I am non-denominational "in the purest sense") and and I learned about fasting through a "Charismatic Evangelical" church. It has been wonderful to fast, for it causes me to resonate with the words of St. Paul: "When I am weak, then I am strong." I find strength in Christ, when I cannot find strength in my food.

[@timothydeneffe249]

Will be chrismated this holy Saturday because of videos like these. Thank you for your work for the body of Christ.

[@rtdude1]

Thank you so much for this. I'm a catechumen converted from Reformed. I always used to wonder, why don't we fast? I'm so thankful to have found the Orthodox Church. Glory to God. That was such a beautiful explanation of fasting. Thank you. ☦

[@Patristix]

Welcome, friend!

[@NavelOrangeGazer]

Please don't stop making vids. You have one of the best Orthodox channels, the production value is high quality. Good struggle brother.

[@Patristix]

Thank you for the support and comments that you leave! God bless!

[@mothmanprophet11]

Thank you, brothers ☦️ May God bless us this Lent.

[@zita-lein]

Loved this! Best new concept: It is not just you that is fasting. It is the Church. ❤💙

[@patredman3733]

Thank you so much for this timely reminder, this is my first Great Lent as I explore the Orthodox Church. For so very long I’ve known I’ve been far away, out of step and in a lonely place but I feel that God is drawing me, in my old age, into His true Church in communion with real brothers and sisters. Bless His name!

[@briandunleamusic]

God bless you brother. Thank you for sharing these words of wisdom. I hope someday to become a "full" member of the Orthodox Church here in Ireland. Videos like this are extremely helpful.

[@abelhudofofo]

As the other brother asked in the below comment: please, don't give up. I watch all your videos and they help me a lot. I'm an Orthodox Inquirer and this is my first Lent. You really inspire me to continue. Good work, I ask Jesus to bless you greatly.

[@Patristix]

Really appreciate the kind words and prayers!

[@Nico-vm9xp]

I’m so happy to see so many of these people from America showing interest in Orthodoxy. I think that all these people are far more passionate and dedicated in general and the people that were born into Orthodoxy like myself and those that I see around me take a lot of religion for granted and don’t treat them seriously. They say “I am orthodox” but don’t pray or do their cross properly or they talk badly about others… they don’t fast… they don’t pay taxes… they might come to church here and there but they don’t pay attention in the liturgy and leave early… and it is kind of heartbreaking. I was reading the Old Testament and I saw how God made the Israelites wander around for 40 years so that none of the old generation would find the new land and that the new generation would be the ones that would inherit it and not be affected by the traditions of the old… and I feel like this is a parallel story.

[@laisavakalala2496]

As someone who is born a Christian from the pacific islander and is just finding out about orthodox Christian this is a very pleasant experience learning more about Christianity

[@knockoutfever4]

Like Troy Polamalu

[@laisavakalala2496]

@@knockoutfever4 can you please elaborate more on that , I don't seem to understand

[@knockoutfever4]

He is a pacific Islander former NFL football player famous for his wild hair. He became orthodox. Look him up.

[@raresuta5895]

You haven't spoken about the dry fast or water fast (in my language is called black fast/black lent) AKA the fast when you don't eat anything at all. I read theories that Jesus and the first Christians actually fasted in this way and not in the way that we do now. Also, I know that right before Easter there are 2 or 3 days of dry fasting, my grandmother used to do this I remember but nowadays I talked to some young priests about this and they seemed as confused as I am about this practice, treating it with indiference or even telling me to not do it entirely. I tried water fasting 2-3 days at a time during lent and it really felt like a blessing, but I have to learn more about this

[@stefan5234]

You are right. True fasting is dry and water fasting. This vegan style fasting is a later inovation

[@selmasel6584]

I agree with you

[@user-ex2bo6ub4g]

Not if you read the lives of saints, Mount Athos even goes by this rule. I don’t see evidence of the innovation. Some do fast in such a manner such as schema monks. But that is not for novices

[@Jpietrantoni]

Love how you point out that the fast is a communal act with the whole body of Christ & not necessarily or always individually.... interesting point! I never thought in our faith how very unique that is compared to Protestant. I'm no expert, by ANY means, but I don't believe Protestants generally do a "group" fast. Yet, another gem of my our faith ❤

[@theresa6033]

it´s opening new dimensions to me right now to hear it phrased as "invitation to the CHURCH´s fast". Thanks for this insight!

[@Patristix]

Thank you for watching, Theresa!

[@MarthaFaey]

Such a great explanation of what fast is to orthodox. Thank you for clarifying and teaching me this.

[@amanuelmikele527]

Thank you 🙏

[@WilliamDusing]

Thank you!

[@booklassygarrahan3929]

Excellent. Thank you.

[@marzwulf]

Thank you for all the great information.

[@zzzaaayyynnn]

great review, this helps a lot!

[@posavka]

Thank you for this beautiful explanation!

[@anythingchannel369]

Beautiful and Amazing

[@YakovPisco]

Thank you brother may God bless you

[@greatstyle6343]

Such a beautiful video

[@alsneed7941]

this channel will grow, love your videos

[@ilkapatten-onetrilogybooks4024]

Thank you.

[@PrinceApolostos]

your contens are great God bless you

[@nevafitzgerald2402]

Thank you for another educational vid I love every thing you do blessings🙏

[@Football0Lover]

Awesome introduction

[@mlvlnc]

Thank you and God bless you, from South Africa!

[@Ross-wk2bz]

Thank you for your video! It is especially timely as we gather ourselves in preparation for Great Lent. God bless.

[@Thatisnotsasha]

May God bless you thank you for your work, that is such a beautiful and informative video 🙏🏼☦️

[@gerardgrywacheski1418]

Thank you for this video!! May Great Lent be peaceful and spiritually profitable for yourself and all who are participating one way or another as we prepare for the Feast of Feasts, Pascha!! ☦️🙏

[@josedearmas8429]

This channel has been very helpful and a big revelation in my research into orthodoxy as I look into conversion

[@JamesMasterPlaster]

Very nice video ☦️ thank you my Friend 👍

[@user-ee9ym4bx4t]

Just discovered your channel. Thank you. You are a great teacher. Loved this video. Watched your video on great lent yesterday. Made me weep. The beauty is overwhelming. I'm currently an "inquirer" but hope to become a catechumen soon.

[@sharif8326]

Bro I just wanted to say im a catechumen and these videos are amazing. U can explain things in a very direct and understandable way, God Bless!

[@James-hk6gc]

God bless 🙌 🙏

[@MatejXOXO]

Keep it up!

[@jstrugglin4404]

Your videos really help me slow down in explaining things I learned so long ago, to new converts and people interested in the church. Thank you for your videos brother! May the Lord bless you with a joyful sorrow this Lent!

[@sabinaarmeanu9660]

God bless you❣️😍🌺🌻🌼🌸💐🍀

[@Costaki10]

Have been orthodox all my life and never really liked fasting but would do it around Easter as I had to do it. Went to Mount Athos this year and have started fasting every Wednesday/Friday since. Those two days every week help remind me of the teachings from Mount Athos

[@ananonymouseuser2571]

Ugh, mate, I need prayers. I'm at that stage where my Protestant ("Apostolic", apparently, because Protestant is a slur to them. Literally never heard the word Apostolic Christian in all my life but apparently that's what I was) family is calling me a Catholic, citing the Pope, asking why I believe in a "made up Church, and why can't I just pray to God and read "the Bible" to come to proper theology, this and that. Cafeteria Christianity where they cite Anglican Branch Theory as proof we aren't the Church, Jesus is God therefore the only thing you call God is Jesus because anything else is word salad, "Essence/energies distinction, nous, tradition, apostolic succession, all these things are made up word salad that have no meaning" and "if they have meaning why don't you use different words that we understand and can fit into our religion" and so on. So last evening, I had a (completely unplanned) 5 on 1 debate with my family, our (assistant) pastor, his wife, and his mother about why Eastern Orthodoxy isn't correct from their view, and why it is from my own. I told them I was willing to have this discussion if they understood that, while I have a very good memory for what I read, I can't cite exactly where it was read off the cuff. Give me a few minutes and I could, but I wasn't there to justify *why* xyz is true, only that "my beliefs are xyz, here's the argument we would use, I can't tell you which chapter and which verse it is in a conversation, so just take me at my word that this is *what* I believe, and adress why you think your view is correct." They agreed, we were there to discuss why I'm leaving non-denominational Charismaticism and why specifically I chose the Eastern Orthodox Church, from my personal perspective. Needless to say, the fact this lasted for twelve uninterrupted hours, that's not the discussion they were willing to have. What was intended to be a literal "Hey, we were in town and just wanted to swing by and get a hug before we head back home!" turned into the longest conversation I've ever had. We were in town for my grandfather's 88th Birthday, and after a (stressful, drama filled) day at his place we swung by our family friends house that's also in town, to get a hug and say hello before we left a minute later. Car wasn't even supposed to turn off, just a simple Hi! Bye!". Well, they knew I'm converting to Eastern Orthodoxy and wanted to ask a few questions and tell me why I'm wrong and they're right before we left, as stated. So, since 4 PM yesterday to 4 AM in the morning (and again two hours after I went to bed, from 9AM to 1PM) I debated the weird Assemblies of Jesus Christ people who are family friends. Twelve hours in, I still get the same repeat "How is the Holy Spirit not the same thing as Jesus, the Holy Spirit was a thing in a box in the Old Testament (the Ark), it flew away at an indeterminate time, Jesus was conceived, the Spirit was in Heaven, then flew down here, then died on the Cross, then came back and there was a new physical Jesus, the old one disintegrated into nothingness (quote) and now he's an unrecognizable Spirit that no one knew was God until later. Dudes face contorted like an angry pretzel when I asked if he was Christian, said he is not and will never be, he follows Christ. I ask him what "Christian" means and he says follower. I ask isn't that strange, that he isn't a Christian but he "follows" Christ around and he gave a weird cackle and said "yes". I don't know if it was a poor attempt at an internal criticism of the comment I made earlier about how "a distinction is not the same as a difference", which he disagreed with, or what. But it came across as demonic. Then he started saying his god (his is not worthy of the big G after this) can't hear the prayers of the unelected. If anyone who is not "chosen" prays it quote "bounces off the roof and goes straight to your father in Hell, you devil serving heathen" Do keep in mind this is the middle 50 year old assistant pastor and family friend who performed all the sermons at my church (pastor had throat cancer and is very difficult to understand verbally) Well, maybe 10 hours in he pretty much gives up. He just starts snickering and mocking me to his mother like Muttley from Wacky Races, saying "Mom look you aren't saved because the Pope says so" and this grown fifty something year old man would repeat every word I'd say in a childish voice to his mom and they'd both snicker. Close family friends, I know these people. We aren't (weren't) on poor terms. So these "Christians" I knew are some amalgamation of Irriligious Calvanistic Anglicanised Spiritualistic Followers of The "Bible", who get enraged at the notion of Christianity as a religion, and quote Catholic dogma on Absolute Divine Simplicity as the true "faith" even though Catholicism didn't exist until "no one knows", and nothing it says is or can be true. These same people who also stated with a straight face that the "Bible" is irrelevant garbage for "old men in robes and sandals 2000 years ago" and that wr now "know" the only two verses that matter to us are "Baptise in Jesus name only, and speak in tongues." Why is that true? Because that irrelevant old tome says so (according to him). If alcohol passes your lips your damned to hell because "alcohol was just a medicine that wasn't in the bible for any other reason, and has been replaced by pills". Now comes the crazy parts. This dude, says with a straight face that he can bring me some 10 year old kid, and a different 13 year old kid, who can each speak one sentence that will convert, instantaneously, anyone who hears it uttered. Who are these kids? I'd have to meet them. What would they say? They would tell me. So apparently they're also some weird prophetic child cultists or something, I don't even know what he's shouting now. At this point I'm just chalking it up to some waaaaay out their crazy cultist speak. And this is coming from someone from a rattlesnake handling, turpentine drinking, holy rolling Oneness Pentecostal family. I get two hours of sleep, after a twelve hour non stop heated debate on a porch. Come out of my room and now my father, who I also debated earlier in that same debate, wants to pick up the same debate. Maybe two hours in he's ballistic. He did not agree with the whack jobs from earlier, but his arguments were not justified. Typical "The Bible is the Bible because the Bible says its the Bible" jargon. He thought that because he came to the same conclusion about his invisible church, that my conclusion about the visible church "was the same thing." I could not explain to him that justification is not the starting point, or the end result, its the framework and methodology. 2+2 isn't four because the big black gorilla Monke in my walls whispers to me that it is so. That is not a justified argument about 2+2=4. It went *no where* I did not hear a single thing about why I'm supposed to believe in their Canon of Scripture. Just that that is the *only* canon. All I heard from those people is an entirely different jargon than what they spout at "the four walls in a roof colloquially referred to as a "church", which isn't a church for anything other than taxes and tithes." What on earth was I on the verge of joining with these people, it's like Mormonism or something. Different doctrine to all those dirty heathens, except the rich ones they want to convert to "tithe 10% otherwise you're damned again". How, in what possible way, are my theological beliefs closer to Orthodoxy than my own families religion? I had never even heard of Orthodoxy until a couple years ago, nothing was incompatible with what I already believed. Nothing I believed could not be corrected through the Orthodox Church. There's so much more to it all, but I'm still quite exhausted. I didn't even touch on their whole "dispensationalism" trite about how God literally withdrew from the earth for 400 years and didn't do a single thing, and how the Old Testament is actually three different religions with the same "god", who in their mind was stuck inside a box. Also, no one knows if anything even existed before we were born, maybe the past is all a nebulous illusion created by the devil to lead us all astray. I was also told demons only exist to torment the unelected damned, they cannot interact with or speak to, or reveal themselves to, those who are "chosen" for heaven. That any spiritual experience a "chosen" has is from god (his pagan deity he falsely claims is Jesus). There is a literal spiritual wall that physically blocks demons from crossing the threshold of a building occupied by, or enter the presence of the person, who is chosen. But a possessed person who enters a church can somehow stowaway demons inside themselves and take them into the "church" or a house in order to spy on them. For some reason. There is no free will, that is an evil, corrupt concept that will be destroyed and we will all be quote "robots driven around by Jesus". It was, in no uncertain terms, incoherent gobbledygook.

[@lounaannajung4454]

Hey brother, I understand your frustration. I haven't gone this far with my family/friends (I'm ex-Muslim) but we had somewhat heated debates for months this past year after me meeting with Christ then discovering Orthodoxy. I've heard it repeatedly *(that I needed to avoid these debates) but arrogantly(?) Or maybe just passively (as in losing against my passions)... I kept getting involved in the same debates over and over. I then discovered that it's virtually impossible for me to explain to them because they already set up their minds and built up their whole worldview on their belief. The Apostles themselves struggled to explain to jews(!) who knew scriptures very well and had similar views on most things and were waiting for the Messiah for hundreds of years...etc. If the Apostles who were students of Christ during His ministry... who lived with him and followed him everywhere for 3 years struggled to "convince" people who knew what they were talking about, it's virtually impossible for me to even get people around me to question their narrative taking the argumentative route. If anything, it will only harbor animosity and can even become a spiritual danger to my own soul.. encouraging anger, hatred, arrogance and resentment against the people that I originally loved and cared about enough to bring up this kind of discussion with. So, of course you have to talk about this with your Priest and/or spiritual father, but I'd recommend you completely stop talking about your faith with them. If they ask you, try to give very short but truthful responses. Don't cast your pearls before swine. Protect what you have. If you value it, maybe they will even get more interested. If they ask you theological questions send them to your priest instead. In all cases, they will only see it if they experience it themselves and humble themselves enough to be attentive. You can instead pray for them.

[@navienslavement]

Man that's mad and toxic. I suggest following Louna's advice and distancing yourself (emotionally at least) from your family. No one should be abused like that, debates shouldn't be about mental endurance but about truth and justification. Pray for peace and try to ignore the toxic behavior.

[@RussellTisdale]

Hi! I had these same kind of exhausting conversations many years ago. They are emotionally draining, and ultimately unhealthy. It's hard to tell people you love that you no longer agree with them about the most important thing (to them and to you), so everyone is very very invested. I only would say, be at peace. It's OK to not talk when you don't want to. And years from now, this will be just a memory. God bless.

[@Patristix]

Friend, we know what you're going through and we understand! Louna's comment above is very good. Talk with your priest, and avoid discussion. Orthodoxy is more relationship rather than pure information, and no amount of debate is going to bring people to something they have set their minds again. Stay prayerful, and may God grant you peace as you come down from this. Keep your eyes and focus on Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith! ☦️

[@ananonymouseuser2571]

@@lounaannajung4454 Glory to Christ, I'm happy to hear we both found the Church. Yes, I tried to say that. They just told me "they aren't asking my priest, theyre asking me" and so on. I could not, after 12 hours with 5 of them, get a single point across from my perspective which they understood. I don't even mean one that they would have necessarily agreed with, but one that was even heard in a way that they could respond accurately. Not a *single* thing I said made it into their ears. They have zero concept of what the Church is. I told them my theology necessitates that my priest be involved to ensure that I don't fall into erroneous beliefs, practices, and teachings. That he can adress all these fallacious arguments plucked from every heresy known to man, that these dudes try to put into a blender. That what he says is held up to the traditions of the church, that must not be contrary to scripture. But it was deaf ears, and I was a captive to the debate as long as they wanted to have it (not the driver, friends house). I don't fear my faith, I am extremely confident in my memory. I have a gifted memory, and I can quote to you any answer to a question I have asked. But I, unfortunately, can't tell you *who* I'm quoting (by name). I'm not a names guy, in any situation. But I can tell you the context, and I can track it down. And if I can't find the source, I set it aside. But I *know* my own capacity when it comes to these things. I know my limitations. And for a 5 on one debate, a 21 year old with an elementary school education, against Church "elders" and a preacher, I held my ground pretty well. Not in the prideful "oh, I really schooled those cultists!" Sense, I mean that in the sense that they weren't able to corner me. They were extremely frustrated that I didn't have the same doctrines they had, because Eastern Orthodoxy does not have holes in its theology. I don't need some crazy education to understand it, knowing what Essence/Energies is, knowing the basic concept of the Nous, and that verbal and oral tradition compliment each other, keeps the basic level Protestant arguments at bay. They have no authority they can cite, no Bible they can justify, and no reason to say I'm wrong if I'm really so similar to them. Note I'm referring to the debate portion as primarily the crazy guy that was my pastor. My parents were far easier to reach, and are able to understand the words coming out of my mouth. But they don't understand why they can't say they're the 'true church" if they don't believe in mine. My father has severe PTSD from the military, and it manifests as a paranoia that someone close to him is somehow attacking him if they hold a different view or try to explain why he's wrong. For example, when he quoted Catholic dogma as a refutation to me, and I explained why thats simply not an argument because neither of us are Catholic, he went absolutely bonkers and literally attacked me for "calling him a Catholic". He swung at me, threw a plastic bottle of garlic powder at my head (with force, it struck my arm quite hard and had it hit my face I would have snapped because I wasn't looking at him when he grabbed it to hurl at me, and that's my immediate reaction to someone hitting my face) My father is not an aggressive man who would hit someone over a disagreement. Neither would he lose his temper if some random dude called him some random insult. But with his PTSD, any disagreement originating from within his household is an attack against his trustworthiness, a doubt, an accusation that he's subverting us. He refuses all treatment and just says "God will heal me if I pray enough". We (my family) try not to discuss serious matters with him, but that's a vicious cycle of "Why doesn't anybody ever tell me things, you don't trust me, you don't think I can handle it!". He simply is not himself when he's in an episode, and it's manifested by extreme mood swings and paranoia. Almost like my schizophrenic family members, but only directed at close family. I don't own a vehicle. I require my family (at this point in time) to commute to a parish. They don't often have time. When I was able to attend, my father rushed out the door and wouldn't speak to anyone inside, he just wanted to go home and get me away from it. His PTSD manifested, and his paranoia told him that because no one else rushed out to drag him back inside they must be "okay with him going to hell." But they did. The dude who lights the candles and stuff (can't remember the term) asked where he was going, a parishner who was going outside to talk to him was summoned back inside shortly after by a visiting monk who wanted to continue speaking to him (the monk didn't notice my father leaving the way he did and didnt know he wasn't a member of the church) My mother was supposed to be the one to take me, but she had car trouble and asked my dad. I wanted to go because I had been asking all year and no one would agree, and I finally got her to agree to take me for the Sunday closest to Orthodox Christmas.

[@cozzwozzle]

I can't wait for the presanctified liturgies and extra services. It's such a mystical time. :)

[@Patristix]

It truly is!

[@mynameis......23]

40 days fasting was actually after January Wednesday and Friday

[@paul_bell]

We are Catholic and I learn so much from your knowleage, is like all info into one good video, and it totally make good sense. Very well presented. Mother Mary had appeared somewhere I think Majugoria (maybe wrong spell) and reminded us, to fast every Wednesday and Friday too.

[@kevinseaquist9670]

So I started drinking different teas thanks to your channel,. Thanks a lot, that's what I need, another hobby! ;-)

[@Patristix]

Haha we shall take that as a good thing! Enjoy those teas. Any favourites?

[@kevinseaquist9670]

@@Patristix Here in the States we have a tea store called 'Dragon Fly Tea Zone', and they have a lot of teas in jars you scoop out to sample. I'm trying Mango Rose (Green tea, book rose, rosebuds, with marigold and corn flower blossoms). I'm enjoying it.

[@Patristix]

Think we've tried one similar on the channel actually... And that's a good name for a tea shop

[@thevintagegypsy5325]

so never heard it explained so well,,,thank you.

[@Nj-ym5kc]

Keep it up ❤

[@miketacos9034]

Fasting from media is perhaps the most difficult and helpful fast we can do as Christians, too, in addition to food.

[@shadeofmirkwood]

Blessed lent my brothers and sister in Christ, forgive me for my sins I've committed against you.

[@garrettthomaslibby7000]

Thank you ☦️☦️☦️

[@danekata3916]

It actually just makes my intermittent fasting work twice as good. Hopefully, that doesn’t take away from the main purpose.

[@caart6317]

I would like to know your thoughts around Tithing! Blessings

[@matiasgamalieltolmosuarez790]

In protestantism we DO have fixed seasons of fasting indeed. Of course it's really a voluntary thing, like in modern catholic church, but it is, especially in historical and traditional protestant churches. Even when of course personal fasting is encouraged a lot. And there's also in Methodist, holiness and pentecostal traditions non fixed fastings but communal ones. They're made for some special purposes, even when it's just because church is sad for something, or had happened something important, and the congregations made a call for communal fasting were we all gather together in a long service while fasting. Something similar to vigil services, which are done in any time of the year communaly (others times of fixed vigil night services)

[@HerogateEXE86]

I still need to learn how to fast true be told

[@FundingAnimals]

What are the fasting guidelines for the very young or the elderly? Are the rules strictly the same? I am new to this. Thank you for your insightful channel. ❤

[@Patristix]

No, they are not strictly the same. All fasting is done through a life in the Church, and discussions can be had with the priest about where a person is at health-wise etc. Do visit an Orthodox Church and ask the priest about it 💛

[@trebaomijenalog7868]

Thanks for the great content. From the beginning of this year I've become more involved with religion. I'm married and father of two. First I want to mention is that I'm not baptized but my wife and my children are. We started to go to nearest church on almoust every Sunday. I dont take communion because Im not baptized. We fast on wed and fri and now we fast Christmas fast. I also started to pray and reading Bible on regular basis. My idea was that in this way I grew closer to God and I wish I get baptised in the future. My question is, should I do all this when I am not baptized? I've heard that's it can be even dangerous for people that are not yet Christians.

[@Patristix]

All I can say is to chat things through with your Orthodox priest about where you are at and what you should do next! God bless you all!

[@ReplyToMeIfUrRetarded]

Fasting is wonderful. Lent is my second favorite celebration in The Church, second is Christmas.

[@pajcka]

Амин.

[@aidanbuyondo1004]

Are we allowed all other oils than olive oil? Ive heard different from different people. Isnt it a bit sneaky to have all other oils as that opens up for milk substitutes and so on...?

[@thefelinelover9001]

I'm a muslim and it really makes me happy to see some proud christian brothers and sisters these days. :)

[@apollontheintp3257]

We still exist although evil is spreading more and more. But it was all prophesized like this.

[@jjhbjhbhjgjhgfjhghjg]

Mix Roibose with Catuaba

[@david-468]

Does anyone know of some traditional fasting recipes for food?

[@khalidNroses]

Hello .. I am Roman Catholic and would like to ask if fasting could be completed through complete abstinence of food on Wednesday and Friday? and can I fast Saturday too before going to the mass or divine liturgy? Thank you

[@Patristix]

We can't advise you on any of that. You'll have to talk to a priest about it! God bless!

[@khalidNroses]

@@Patristix thank I will . God bless you

[@ChristianHada]

Do Orthodox ever have a fast that completely abstains from food for a short period of time? Great video btw.

[@Patristix]

For an Orthodox Christian partaking of the Eucharist, there is a total fast every Sunday until after Communion. A day that is observed by most Orthodox is Good Friday, and many will stretch that to Holy Saturday. There is a tradition in some Orthodox cultures to fast on Christmas Eve until the first star shines in the night sky. You'll also find total fasts of different sorts in monastic settings. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Patristix]

Should also add that for the Orthodox food lists, we're not talking about a prescribed diet. While we have lists of food that we will make allowance for on fast days (vegetables etc.), it's about eating less, praying more, etc.

[@marbakka]

Why do Orthodox youtube videos almost never give the citations for patristic quotes? I can find neither the Basil nor the John Chrysostom quotes. Can you give citations?

[@cejaylovesgod]

I've been searching the Internet like crazy, im really considering the orthodox faith but im from cape town south africa and here's only like 3 churches in my town (which are far from me) so i don't got a spiritual father or priest etc, are there certain times which the orthodox Christians fast on wednesdays and fridays

[@Patristix]

The best thing is to still try and get in touch with a priest, even if he is not near. I would recommend getting in touch with the nearest priests and talk about where you're at. You can also check out the Fellowship of Saint Theophan the Recluse which is an online ministry precisely for people that can't get to an Orthodox Church: www.bdoca.org/fostr.html Join the mailing list there and there's a monthly group call to learn more

[@cejaylovesgod]

@@Patristix thank you, I contacted one of the priest but he said he cannot catechise me into the faith because my family could sue him (im 16) so he told me to study the faith until im old enough to join an orthodox church on my own, but idk if I'll leave this earth before 18 lol 😂

[@borkdude]

What is the view on caffeine with regards to fasting?

[@Patristix]

That's a 'talk to your priest' kind of question. There's no Church stance, but for some that might be a healthy idea.

[@AntiAnathema]

I am already barely underweight with a very fast metabolism and lose weight much more quickly than gain. I would like to observe Great Lent fasting, how would I go about this?

[@Patristix]

Please have a talk with your priest. All we can say is that fasting is not meant to be at the hindrance of one's health. A priest can chat through your situation with you. God bless!

[@bijoyjth]

Where do you buy your tea from?

[@Patristix]

We sort of accumulate it from all sorts of places. And people have started giving it to us! We got a lot for Christmas that we're not going to run out of in a hurry 😆

[@Nich011]

I admit that fasting is one of my main worries and barriers on my journey to eventually convert to catholicism/orthodoxy. I am a young male with a very very, very, VERY fast metabolism. I am very skinny. Like, real skinny. I actually fear for my good health, were i to actually fast. If i eat well, i still am prone to losing weight, and i am terrified of the thought that trough my desire to serve christ in the correct way, i might prejudicate my physical development.

[@Patristix]

The Orthodox Church does not destroy common sense or health. The aim is not to make you do something that will cause you physical harm. Fasting is a prescription for our good, not an enforcement against us. We aren't FORCED to fast, we are encouraged to fast.There are many people who for various reasons can not fast, forget to fast, struggle to fast totally, or fast differently to others. Pregnant women for instance do not fast at all. Health issues, pregnancy, living situations, all of these contribute to how we do things. Chat these things through with an Orthodox priest, and be open with these kinds of issues. You won't have a problem. God bless!

[@OrthoKarter]

When should i fast? im planning on doing it soon. What days is it okay to eat certain foods, as well? especially on lent.

[@Patristix]

For all of these kind of things, please have a conversation with your priest. Tell him where youre at and he should be able to help you out in your particular situation. God bless!

[@OrthoKarter]

@@Patristix Thank you, God bless you too!

[@SameerShaikh-di4wb]

If I'm keeping fast at 12 at night so when I should break the fast if I'm doing continue fast of 40 day's. Please answer

[@Patristix]

I'm afraid questions like this are really best directed to your priest, who can work with you on how to fast. So please ask an Orthodox priest!

[@kirin347]

The screen keeps saying 3rd and 6th days, which is TUESDAYS and Fridays, no?

[@violetab3750]

Wednesday and Friday

[@fonz114]

But how do you fast? Is it all day no food, morning until sundown, How to perform the fast? What to have?

[@yecksd]

we fast from certain foods according to the day. check out an Orthodox Fasting calendar

[@genautelevishn5999]

is honey vegan? what about nutritional yeast? I'm an athlete and have always kept my fasts on Wednesday and Friday

[@Patristix]

Fasting questions are best addressed to your priest and the spiritual people close to you. God bless you in your physical and spiritual athleticism!

[@genautelevishn5999]

@@Patristix thanks, I'll ask my spiritual father then

[@aleksandarsrb9340]

I have a question, how did Jesus talked about fasting before he died on the cross but we fast comemorating the day he died on the cross?

[@stevobear4647]

I believe the Jews fasted on Tuesday and Thursday and this was changed to Wednesday and Friday along with the the Lords day of worship Sunday by the early church.

[@NavelOrangeGazer]

And the Wednesday and Friday fasts remind us of the betrayal and crucifixion of our Lord.

[@czuw2967]

How do Orthodox lift weight and get in shape without meat?

[@NavelOrangeGazer]

beans maxxing

[@TheRealRealOK]

They eat meat when not fasting.

[@monarchblue4280]

chickpeas and lentils. Many underrated plant proteins

[@awake3083]

It's a fast, not a diet. Nikola Jokic is Orthodox.

[@Catholicity-uw2yb]

ST. BASIL THE GREAT: “Take heed that you do not make fasting to consist only in abstinence from food. True fasting is to refrain from vice. Shred to pieces all your unjust contracts. Pardon your neighbors. Forgive them their trespasses.” ST. FRANCIS DE SALES: “Everyone paints devotion according to his own passions and fancies. A man given to fasting thinks himself very devout if he fasts, although his heart may be filled with hatred. A man doesn’t dare wet his tongue with wine or even water, yet he won’t hesitate to drink deeply of his neighbor’s blood by slander, vilification and gossip. Another man thinks himself devout because he daily recites a vast number of prayers, but after saying them he utters the most disagreeable, arrogant and harmful words at home and among his neighbors.” As with all religious practices, fasting must serve the greater goal of uniting ourselves with God through loving our neighbor. Jesus said that all will know his disciples by the way they love one another. He didn’t say that his followers would be known by the severity and frequency of their fasting and other penances.

[@Greasy__Bear]

Im wondering to what extent the type of foods to fast from are set in stone. Im half way through my first lent and am miserable. I have brain fog and my stomach feels wrong. Im not sure If Im cut out for this kind of fast. I want to fast, but my body has never handled plant foods well. I think I could be fine eating nothing but dairy products, before I could go without all meat milk and eggs.

[@Patristix]

Definitely chat this through with your priest! It's not easy going from 0 to 100 miles an hour and often it's good advice to ease in gently over a few Lents. Lent is a challenge but it's not supposed to harm us physically or especially spiritually

[@us3rG]

It's all about the challenge. It's about overcoming your flesh.

[@meangreenmememachine2890]

now that more than 5 minutes have passed (almost 30!), i'd be safe to tell everyone that i'm vegan

[@Patristix]

🌽🍅🥒🥔🥕🥦🥬🥗

[@unknown-vo3di]

I have health issues and am unable to eat vegetables and other plant based foods without gut issues and peeling skin. So I have to stick to an animal based diet filled with only animal products

[@randallgoulet1550]

So fasting isn’t actually “not eating” it’s abstaining from certain foods?

[@Patristix]

That's one way to understand it. But it's more than that. Fasting isn't a prescribed diet of simple food, the fasting guidelines allow simple food. But we are also supposed to eat a lot less and pray a lot more. Total fasting also continues to exist at certain times. But for more on all of it, chat with an Orthodox priest, as there's much more to know!

[@randallgoulet1550]

@@Patristix interesting.. is total fasting done a minority of the time?

[@Patristix]

@@randallgoulet1550 I’ll reclarify a bit: The fasting guidelines are what we MAY eat not what we SHOULD eat. All fasting in the Orthodox Church is the same, but with different allowances. The best thing we can say on this would be to visit an Orthodox Church and chat with the priest after the service. The fasting structure works together with the rest of Orthodox living. We’ve had saints who didn’t eat at all for many days, even years. But all within a larger framework of the life of the Church. This topic is a part of the iceberg that is the Orthodox Church.

[@randallgoulet1550]

@@Patristix thank you very much for your thorough answer 🙏

[@allenbird7783]

Why switch to a vegan diet rather than actually fasting? I suppose it is good to implicitly acknowledge that vegan food isn't real food, but that being the case it would make sense to just avoid it.

[@doctoracharito6469]

Because of the virtue of poverty.

[@stefanbaciu3121]

A lot of people fast like that, and eat unhealthy vegan stuff, but I guess they give up something that you enjoy. Also, when you else switch to vegan diet you will be hungrier most of the time. It’s good and beneficial to work up to more rigid fasts.

[@jakeworldwide]

You know, I watch this video cause I just want instructions on how to fast

[@Patristix]

Thanks for watching! Fasting is still done through the Church, so for instructions/directions/guidance, please do chat with an Orthodox priest about the whole thing. We can only introduce fasting, but for actual fasting, real life conversations are the way.

[@andreasviken2949]

I grew up thinking only Muslims fast. Where I live fasting was never taught nor practiced by Christians despite Christianity being our country’s majority religion.

[@vm8899]

Christian fasting (myself being one and following the fasting diet) is basically vegan diet.

[@ZirianAfendy]

Fast from the world.

[@Silvike21]

From what I've heard fasting to protestants it's not eating at all

[@stefan5234]

At the beggining, dry fasting and water fasting were the norm, this vegan like fasting is a bluff. All the benefits we know of from fasting are refering to dry and water fastting. I never do vegan style. Longest dry fast was 5 days and longest water fast 38 days. Give water and dry fasting a try brothers.

[@jonathanreeve7823]

It’s an act of obedience and actually have a read where it comes from, it’s Jewish roots and what the early church fathers tell us to do. Nothing to do with dry fasts