By Deacon Yemane Weldeab
Many may be aware that Orthodox Christians around the world have recently started the Great Fast/Lent. An interesting fact to know is that there are 180 days of fasting that are obligatory for all Orthodox Christians and 250 days for monks and nuns. A typical fast will consist of abstaining from food and water for a certain time, traditionally from midnight until 6pm although nowadays people fast until midday or 3pm for most of the fast. In the season of fasting animal-based products are prohibited. Yes, that means no meat, eggs or cheese amongst other foods. So, when one fasts for the day, they break it by eating a vegan based meal.
The Great Fast is considered the Holiest of the many fasts that Orthodox Christians participate in since Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself had fasted it. In this period we fast for a total of 55 days. 40 of those days to commemorate the fast Jesus did in the desert. 7 of those days, which precedes the fourth days which is the preparation week. The last 8 days which is after the 40 days is called Holy/Passion Week. Holy/Passion week where we journey with Christ in his suffering death and resurrection. This week is a solemn time and involves everyone fasting for longer hours and doing many prostrations. On that Sunday we then celebrate the feast of the Resurrection and that is when our fast ends.
Why do Orthodox Christians fast:
- As Christians we follow the life of Christ and he fasted
- To weaken the desires of their body which increases their ability to grow stronger.
- To empty ourselves from the cares and desires of the world
- So, their desire for righteousness and holiness grows
- They love God and express this by abstaining from the most important things and spending their time in prayer and repentance.
Links for more information
https://www.lacopts.org/story/the-meaning-of-the-great-
lent/https://copticorthodoxanswers.org/orthodox-spirituality/why-is-fasting-
essential/https://polishmiaphysite.wordpress.com/2020/07/18/synopsis-of-oriental-orthodoxy/
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