Follow Your Spiritual Father’s Guidance
If you are unable to keep the full fast due to illness, weakness, or medical needs, consult your priest or spiritual father. The Church does not expect the sick to fast in a way that worsens their condition.
Modify the Fast According to Necessity
Those with chronic illnesses (such as diabetes, heart disease, or gastrointestinal disorders) may need to consume dairy, eggs, or even meat.
Those on medications that require food should eat as necessary.
The elderly or weak may be permitted a less strict fast.
Spiritual Fasting Still Applies
If you are unable to fast from food, you should still observe the Fast in other ways:
Avoid indulgence in unnecessary entertainment.
Increase prayer, reading of Scripture, and attending services.
Give alms and perform acts of mercy.
Abstain from sin and unnecessary pleasures.
Avoid Self-Indulgence
While the sick and weak are excused from the full rigor of fasting, they should still avoid gluttony and excess. The purpose of fasting remains self-discipline and repentance. Even if one must eat, one should do so with gratitude and moderation.
Church Teaching on This Matter
The Canons of the Church and the writings of the Fathers make it clear that fasting is not meant to harm the body. St. John Chrysostom says: “If you cannot go without eating all day because of an ailment of the body, beloved one, no logical man will be able to criticize you for that. Besides, we have a Lord who is meek and loving and who does not ask for anything beyond our power.” (See the abridged edition of Homily On Fasting)
Fasting must be done according to one’s ability. The sick should not feel guilt if they cannot observe the full fast, but they should still participate in the spiritual aspects of the Fast. Always seek guidance from a priest to determine what is appropriate for your condition.
