fasting partner?

[~Anastasia~]

I agree with your definition of spiritual fasting. On the other hand, I support those who want to reach their healthy weight through taming the fleshly appetite, through healthy dietary changes and healthful lifestyle, including judicious use of fasting. I think it is pleasing to God.

What are Eastern orthodox beliefs?

My apologies, it's during our Holy Week so I'm a little slow to reply.

(And I wasn't sure which part you were asking, so this is a wide overview.)

For us, fasting is a discipline. (By the way, I'm of course in favor of bodily health as well. One reason I am excused from the regular style of fasting is that the doctors prescribed something else for me. We discipline the body, but we also need it in service to God so if anything we do would actually interfere with worship or service to God ... we take care of the body instead.)

But fasting for us is done in several ways, at different times, and has several benefits.

During several periods we have long fasts. Forty days for Great Lent (for the Resurrection), and a less strict (fish allowed for part of it) for forty days for the Nativity to prepare for the birth of Christ. A less strict Fast for the Apostles which is moveable so can go anywhere from not at all to six weeks. And a two-week fast for the death of the Theotokos (who gave birth to Christ Jesus). We also fast most Wednesdays (to remember the betrayal) and most Fridays (to remember the Crucifixion). Holy Week (leading up to the Resurrection) is the strictest of all.

Longer fasts are to be accompanied by an increase in prayer, and an increase in giving to the poor or some other kind of service. We often have extra services at Church, and other kinds of tools to help us focus on our repentance and spiritual growth and to help us grow closer to God.

Our typical fasting is to abstain from meat, fish, dairy, eggs, olive oil, and wine. Sometimes there are changes. The first part of the Nativity Fast is to abstain only from meat. The Apostles' Fast is often just from meat. The weekends of the long fasting periods typically allow oil and wine on the weekends (to give enough calories from oil to allow continued efforts during the week, and because every Sunday is a celebration of the Resurrection).

Speaking of which, along with fasting periods, we have feast days. Days we are not supposed to work (at least not voluntarily on non-essential tasks) and not supposed to fast (again at least not by choice - medically is always ok). There will be Church services with lots of hymns to celebrate what we commemorate - like Pentecost, the Ascension, the Annunciation, the Transfiguration, Christ's Baptism, and so on.

But above all, fasting is a tool and a discipline. It is done in certain ways and with other tools to guide us to draw closer to God on a regular and ongoing basis, and to keep in memory all aspects of His life for the sake of our salvation.

And when done this way, God has ALWAYS been gracious to teach me deep and lasting lessons that have helped me immensely in my journey of faith. So that's why I regret being unable to follow it as intended. Though He has also been gracious through other means to help me as well. But fasting (as I have learned) is our greatest tool.

Kind of funny, when I first heard of the Orthodox Church and looked into it, I heard about all the fasting and thought "nope, that's not for me! I'll take what I can use but I'm not going to do all that." Now here I am some years later, upset at having lost the fasting, now that I know what benefit there is in it.

By the way, there is even benefit if we try and fail through our weakness, if we allow God to teach us. That can be very humbling, and a good lesson not to depend on ourselves but only on the grace of God. It's all very good.

Hope that answers whatever you were wondering. God be with you!

 

[~Anastasia~]

40 days without food, just water? Only Jesus Christ, Son of God could do that and none else, so please do not bs here.

Yes actually lots of people have done this.


It's not typically how we do things in Orthodoxy as the frequency of our fasting would make most people too weak. But I've even seen Protestant organizations that one couldn't join until they had completed a 40-day water fast. (I hope they are careful not to allow it to become a point of pride - pride is the great danger of self-directed fasting and the opposite of what we are attempting to gain through fasting.)

 

[~Anastasia~]

16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;

18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

Ah, that's an important point that I didn't mention in my reply to @JenniferChristian - we don't publicize or even discuss our fasts.

Being online it's a bit unique since it's rather anonymous. But the people in my Church don't know what I eat and when I have to eat there I don't eat in front of them. If we get invited to someone's house and they set a food before us that we're supposed to be fasting from, we do NOT say, "oh no I can't eat it because I'm fasting". No, we don't draw attention to ourselves or embarrass our hosts. We give thanks to God, we eat what is offered (in moderation). And we don't worry about what anyone else is eating or not eating.

We even have a saying - "Keep your eyes on your own plate." Which refers to fasting, but also everything else - meaning, don't judge others in their piety or get prideful about yourself or any other such thing.

It's an important aspect, to be sure.

 

[Ancient of Days]

It is good to keep some things between ourselves and God...

 

[~Anastasia~]

It is good to keep some things between ourselves and God...

This is true.

There are other aspects of the faith that are best kept private too. But there are times and places where it can be beneficial to discuss them with others - people need opportunities to learn as well.

 

[Ancient of Days]

Growing in Christ is imparative! God bless!

 

[Maksim Z]

Actully its quite possible to do a longer fast (water only) and yes.. the record was 382 days. Features of a successful therapeutic fast of 382 days' duration

I have fasted almost 47 days now and I did not eat anything just drink during first 5 days and last five days, but will be 7 days soon and I ate twice a day on weekends and once a day on weekdays. So far I lost 28 pounds and that during 45 days of fasting with food. You are claiming that one can go without food for over 350 days, that’s 8 times the time that I am fasting. Multiply 28 pounds by 8 and you will get a weight loss of over 200 pounds!!! That will make you dead! If you claim that is possible than do it first on your own then claim it and please stop watching all those fake videos on YouTube.

 

[Runswithdogs]

I have fasted almost 47 days now and I did not eat anything just drink during first 5 days and last five days, but will be 7 days soon and I ate twice a day on weekends and once a day on weekdays. So far I lost 28 pounds and that during 45 days of fasting with food. You are claiming that one can go without food for over 350 days, that’s 8 times the time that I am fasting. Multiply 28 pounds by 8 and you will get a weight loss of over 200 pounds!!! That will make you dead! If you claim that is possible than do it first on your own then claim it and please stop watching all those fake videos on YouTube.

LOL, Thanks for proving to me & everyone else that you did not even look at the info I provided.

 

[Maksim Z]

Not bs... as i said, the record is 383 days.... do your own research.

. Fasting is done for a religious purpose with a Church during period of Lents while starvation for 300+ days is completely different and impossible. If you can got for 300 days and show me proof then I will believe you. No one can do more than Jesus Christ...if our God fasted for 40 days in the dessert and was hungry afterwards, that means it is not doable. You can’t carry a cross heavier than Christ’s cross because you are not a manGod but a human. Can you also do miracles? If you can’t do miracles I won’t believe that you can last 300 days without food.

 

[Runswithdogs]

I already posted the proof for you.. Not my problem if you want to jump up & down yelling "its not true cause i said so"

 

[Maksim Z]

I'm definitely posting this too late. I saw your thread this morning, and you inspired me. I know I'm using different rules, but I've joined you, at least for today. (husband told me I should say something to you about it, not just fast quietly by myself. lol)

My first day of not eating food was kinda funny, I did not eat for 24 hours and then right at midnight I went and opened the fridge and ate a whole bunch. I did 1 day without food about 5 times, then I went 3 days without food and when Great lent started I did 5 days without food and not the last weeks of lent I am tryin 6 days, almost 7 days without food. I suggest you try something like that if you want to, star slowly. I am at work right now and I was told that I look pale, but I feel fine and I am not dizzy or anything. I am glad you are trying to observe lent too, I am losing that extra weight that I don’t like! Saying hi to your husband!

 

[Maksim Z]

Yes actually lots of people have done this.


It's not typically how we do things in Orthodoxy as the frequency of our fasting would make most people too weak. But I've even seen Protestant organizations that one couldn't join until they had completed a 40-day water fast. (I hope they are careful not to allow it to become a point of pride - pride is the great danger of self-directed fasting and the opposite of what we are attempting to gain through fasting.)

Read in an encyclopedia or please ask a doctor of what will happen to you if you only drink water for 40 days! I do not believe the protestant because they tend to mislead like the movie that I watched about a pastor who had two kids and one of them fell from a tree and went into coma and saw God and Angels. I actually saw an Angel by an Orthodox Church and it is nothing like an Angel described in that Protestant movie. They are just looking for publicity and money...I don’t believe them.

 

[JenniferChristian]

Thanks Anastasia for your explanation of Eastern Orthodox.

In 1946-1947 a great movement of fasting and prayer was spawned, first in America and then the rest of the world. Franklin Hall’s book ‘Atomic Power With God Through Fasting and Prayer’ was the spark that ignited the hearts of thousands to go on extended fasts, to seek God for revival and the restoration of spiritual gifts to the church. Many went on 40-day fasts.

In 1947-1952 the great healing revival broke out through the ministries of William Branham, Oral Roberts, T. L. Osborne and a host of others who began to experience gifts of the Holy Spirit. They began to see extraordinary miracles in their ministries and thousands were converted and healed. Most of these itinerant evangelists followed Hall’s practice of fasting.

In 1948 the “Latter Rain” outpouring visited North Battleford, Canada, and swept into the United States. The leaders all agreed that it was after reading ‘Atomic Power’ that they entered a season of the “grace of fasting” which, after three months, resulted in a powerful outpouring of the Spirit restoring spiritual gifts and ministries to the church. It also led them into employing the ‘laying on of hands’ for healing and for imparting the gift of the Holy Spirit. The truth of fasting with prayer was a major catalyst in this revival.

Father, bless all who are trying to know You better through fasting or other spiritual disciplines.

 

[Maksim Z]

Thanks Anastasia for your explanation of Eastern Orthodox.

In 1946-1947 a great movement of fasting and prayer was spawned, first in America and then the rest of the world. Franklin Hall’s book ‘Atomic Power With God Through Fasting and Prayer’ was the spark that ignited the hearts of thousands to go on extended fasts, to seek God for revival and the restoration of spiritual gifts to the church. Many went on 40-day fasts.

In 1947-1952 the great healing revival broke out through the ministries of William Branham, Oral Roberts, T. L. Osborne and a host of others who began to experience gifts of the Holy Spirit. They began to see extraordinary miracles in their ministries and thousands were converted and healed. Most of these itinerant evangelists followed Hall’s practice of fasting.

In 1948 the “Latter Rain” outpouring visited North Battleford, Canada, and swept into the United States. The leaders all agreed that it was after reading ‘Atomic Power’ that they entered a season of the “grace of fasting” which, after three months, resulted in a powerful outpouring of the Spirit restoring spiritual gifts and ministries to the church. It also led them into employing the ‘laying on of hands’ for healing and for imparting the gift of the Holy Spirit. The truth of fasting with prayer was a major catalyst in this revival.

Father, bless all who are trying to know You better through fasting or other spiritual disciplines.

I am sorry to upset you but it is only the saints who can heal, and usually it is only the Orthodox Saints that heal people, regular people, no matter how much they fast will not be able to heal anyone. Healing it is not given to them, healing occurs through prayer of the saints to Jesus Christ or Holy Virgin Mary and laying hands will not work either.

 

[~Anastasia~]

Read in an encyclopedia or please ask a doctor of what will happen to you if you only drink water for 40 days! I do not believe the protestant because they tend to mislead like the movie that I watched about a pastor who had two kids and one of them fell from a tree and went into coma and saw God and Angels. I actually saw an Angel by an Orthodox Church and it is nothing like an Angel described in that Protestant movie. They are just looking for publicity and money...I don’t believe them.

I don't wish to be disagreeable. I'm not sure why you seem so emphatic of what you believe. It doesn't imply a person is greater than Christ.

I don't need to read an encyclopedia ... I've known people myself. And I have a doctor - I'm on a medically directed ketogenic diet myself to deal with certain side effects of treatment. If you carefully balance your macros for a period of 7-12 weeks, you can essentially retrain your body on a cellular level to use fats as fuel instead of sugars (glucose). Which means everything works just fine without eating the foods people normally eat. If I don't eat any oils, my needs are met by drawing from cellular reserves. There is a limit to the output from each cell, but if a person is grossly overweight they will have enough reserves to continue without food for a very long time. I eat so as not to lose too much but if I don't eat, I can easily go 2, 3 days or more without hunger, headache, weakness, or anything - I could exercise just as easily after days without food. Of course it depends on the body's needs and reserves. A man, especially a younger, muscular one, without much fat, would be much more limited in the time he could last. Reducing needs (by being female, older, less muscular, etc.) and/or increasing reserves (by having extra fatty tissue) would correspondingly increase the length of time one can go without food.

I'm not sure why I'm explaining all of this.

I don't put any faith in movies either. But there are people I know well. I might not agree with them on various beliefs but I know them, and I know what the human body can do. This doesn't seem worth arguing about?

 

[~Anastasia~]

Thanks Anastasia for your explanation of Eastern Orthodox.

In 1946-1947 a great movement of fasting and prayer was spawned, first in America and then the rest of the world. Franklin Hall’s book ‘Atomic Power With God Through Fasting and Prayer’ was the spark that ignited the hearts of thousands to go on extended fasts, to seek God for revival and the restoration of spiritual gifts to the church. Many went on 40-day fasts.

In 1947-1952 the great healing revival broke out through the ministries of William Branham, Oral Roberts, T. L. Osborne and a host of others who began to experience gifts of the Holy Spirit. They began to see extraordinary miracles in their ministries and thousands were converted and healed. Most of these itinerant evangelists followed Hall’s practice of fasting.

In 1948 the “Latter Rain” outpouring visited North Battleford, Canada, and swept into the United States. The leaders all agreed that it was after reading ‘Atomic Power’ that they entered a season of the “grace of fasting” which, after three months, resulted in a powerful outpouring of the Spirit restoring spiritual gifts and ministries to the church. It also led them into employing the ‘laying on of hands’ for healing and for imparting the gift of the Holy Spirit. The truth of fasting with prayer was a major catalyst in this revival.

Father, bless all who are trying to know You better through fasting or other spiritual disciplines.

Thank you. I'm familiar with much of what you're speaking of ... I was a Protestant for much of my life, and have experience within a number of ministries that got a lot of attention.

The really wonderful thing is that God desires the salvation of all people. Those who seek Him in sincerity - may they be blessed.

 

[JenniferChristian]

How is every fast-er doing? I am on my third day and I give all glory to God for sustaining me.

To some of those who responded to my posts (BTW, thanks for taking the trouble), I am a Bible-believing follower of Lord Jesus. Some may call me an evangelical Charismatic Christian. I really don’t care about the label. [Well, OK, I read the Bible most Protestants read.]

I believe Jesus is the only (and sufficient) mediator between Father God and men. I respect the early apostles and the earthly mother of Jesus and the Church fathers and all the great disciples of Jesus who finished their earthly journey successfully throughout the ages. But the New Testament assures us that every believer who is cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ is a saint. I talk to Father, Son, or Holy Spirit. I don't talk to the believers who already finished their earthly journey and are resting with Lord Jesus in the Paradise. I don't need them to be a mediator between God and me. I go to God's throne directly by the blood of Jesus and I know He welcomes me.

May all who love Lord Jesus draw near to Father, Son, and Holy Spirit daily.

Anastasia, What was your spiritual journey from a Protestant to an Eastern Orthodox? I thought an Eastern Oxthodox is born into it.

 

[JenniferChristian]

From Atomic Power
This spiritual power is actually within the reach of all followers of Christ. It is not so much that it has been forgotten, but rather that it has never been taught and learned. “The message of the Gospel is the power of God unto Salvation.” Rom. 1:16. But we have overlooked a certain fundamental part of the Gospel message.

Jesus Christ has made this power available to all His people, who will follow His Gospel pattern.

What about spiritual power? Except for a sprinkling here and there of the power of the Holy Spirit, scientific achievement has far out-distanced man’s gains in things of the Spirit.

This latent power is FASTING AND PRAYER. This is a prayer that is prayed under the influence of fasting. Our spiritual progress will be like supersonic speed.

Thank God there is something which makes for Spiritual progress that is more scientific than anything man has accomplished to date, and which accomplishes wonders for our Spiritual welfare in a very short time. Without this knowledge, this goal might not be attained for many years, or perhaps NEVER. That something is FASTING AND PRAYER.

Our ultimate aim and desire should be the EXALTING OF JESUS CHRIST and the GLORIFYING OF HIM. Without prayer and fasting every Christian will more or less mark time and fail in their purpose. The most successful and the quickest method is through PRAYER AND FASTING.

FASTING AND PRAYER make it far easier to DELIGHT OURSELVES IN THE LORD, it will give us the light ON THIS POWER. SPACE AND TIME TO GOD WILL SHRINK AND DISTANCE WILL CEASE TO BE, when one receives the potential light and puts it into practice.

It will be the beginning of a new age for good, if the power of the Spirit is developed to a high degree by many through the use of the most powerful agent known to man, fasting and prayer. Fasting restores and amplifies prayer power.

A twenty-one, or forty-day prayer and fast will most assuredly hasten the Christian to such a deep and wonderful experience with God that twenty-one days will equal twenty-one years. Forty days will equal forty years. Experience shows that the forty-day period brings far greater results than a shorter time. It will bring one closer to God more quickly than any other way known.

Like the doctrine of divine healing, the doctrine of the Holy Spirit, etc., the truth of fasting has been sadly neglected. Many other forgotten Bible truths have been temporarily lost, only to be revived again in these “latter days” of this dispensation, the transition period between this and the millennial dispensation. The truth of fasting is being revealed to us now that we may secure the greater things of God, that we may receive the gifts of the Spirit and that a mighty world-wide revival of spiritual power will sweep over the world, with major signs and miracles in these last days. Fasting is the most potent power of the universe and is placed at the disposal of every believer. A transformation in the body of Christ will begin, as Christians fast and pray.