The Great Fast

Let Us Embrace the Great and Holy Lenten Fast

As we begin the Great and Holy Fast, let us remember that our soul is immortal, and care must be given to ensure its health. Our bodies will die, yet we often give more attention to the health of our bodies, than we do for our souls. Let us embrace the Lenten Fast with wholeheartedness, and use the time we’ve been allotted, responsibly.  For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? (Mk. 8:36).

One of the great benefits of fasting is to be found in the aid it lends to the controlling of our bodily inclinations to resist communion with God. Fasting and prayer go together for the precise reason that fasting helps the body conform to the spiritual conditions wherein we are open to the things of the Spirit.

Fasting helps us set aside worldly thoughts and pleasures, preparing us to enter into that silent place wherein we meet God. Fasting helps crush self will, and opens us to God’s grace, allowing for the transformation of our hearts. Fasting enhances prayer, for in our fasting we put aside the bodily resistance to inner sanctification, and enter into God’s Kingdom.

With love in Christ,
Abbot Tryphon

About the author

Abbot Tryphon Headshot

Fr. Tryphon is the Abbot of the Monastery of the All-Merciful Saviour, which was established in 1986 by Archimandrite Dimitry (Egoroff) of blessed memory. The Monastery is under the omophore of His Eminence Kyrill, Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America, of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.

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