Fasting in the Orthodox Church

I would now like to share with you the Orthodox teaching about fasting. Many Christians today are not familiar with it, but fasting has been part of the Church’s life since the very beginning.

Jesus taught us to fast. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said: “When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites… but when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret” (Matthew 6:16–18). Notice that He says when you fast, not if you fast. Fasting is expected, but it must be done with humility and sincerity.

Fasting strengthens our prayer. In the Bible, fasting is often joined with prayer. When the early Church sent out Paul and Barnabas as missionaries, it says: “Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off” (Acts 13:3). Fasting helps us focus more on God and less on ourselves.

Fasting teaches us self-control. Saint Paul writes: “Every athlete exercises self-control in all things” (1 Corinthians 9:25). Just as athletes train their bodies, fasting helps us train our souls, teaching us to master our desires rather than be ruled by them.

The early Church taught fasting. The Didache, a manuscript written by the Apostles around the year 50 A.D., gives us a glimpse of the earliest Church. It tells Christians to fast on Wednesdays and Fridays—Wednesdays because Christ was betrayed on that day, and Fridays because He was crucified. The Orthodox Church has kept this Apostolic practice to this very day.

The seasons of fasting prepare us for feasts. The Church sets aside special seasons of fasting—like Great Lent before Easter and the Nativity Fast before Christmas—to prepare our hearts for the great feasts. Jesus fasted forty days in the wilderness (Matthew 4:2), and we follow His example by fasting before celebrating His Resurrection.

Fasting is not just about food. True fasting is not only giving up certain foods but also turning away from sin. God says through Isaiah: “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness ... to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house” (Isaiah 58:6–7). Fasting teaches us compassion and mercy.

Fasting leads us to Christ. Jesus said: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Fasting reminds us that our true nourishment is God Himself.

Fasting is not a burden but a blessing. It is an ancient Apostolic practice, given by Christ, nourished by the Scriptures, and faithfully kept in the Orthodox Church to help us grow closer to Him.

With love in Christ,
Fr. Charles

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