Question for Orthodox Christians about fasts and feasts

[dswearin]

I have a question about Orthodox fasting. I met with an Orthodox priest, and he gave me a book called, “The Law of God” by Archpriest Seraphim Slobodskoy. Under the fourth commandment section, he lists the fasts and feasts as requirements of Christians and that to not do them would be grave sin (at least that’s the impression I get from the section). He cites this as following the 4th commandment of observing the Sabbath. He also says that one should abstain from meat and dairy because “according to the experience of the Saints these foods strengthen our passions and make it more difficult to pray.” I thought God declared all food clean in the New Testament? How can you say that certain foods make you less holy or weaken you? Where does this come from? How can the church say that the believer has to follow the tradition of fasts and feasts because of the fourth commandment? Rather confused about the issue, any clarification would be greatly appreciated.

 

[josephdaniel29]

I have a question about Orthodox fasting. I met with an Orthodox priest, and he gave me a book called, “The Law of God” by Archpriest Seraphim Slobodskoy. Under the fourth commandment section, he lists the fasts and feasts as requirements of Christians and that to not do them would be grave sin (at least that’s the impression I get from the section). He cites this as following the 4th commandment of observing the Sabbath. He also says that one should abstain from meat and dairy because “according to the experience of the Saints these foods strengthen our passions and make it more difficult to pray.” I thought God declared all food clean in the New Testament? How can you say that certain foods make you less holy or weaken you? Where does this come from? How can the church say that the believer has to follow the tradition of fasts and feasts because of the fourth commandment? Rather confused about the issue, any clarification would be greatly appreciated.

God did declare all food clean. We would never contend otherwise. The issue is, as you say, experience has shown that certain foods feed the passions. I can testify to that fact personally. The reason we abstain from these foods at certain times is not because of some legalistic ideas of cleanliness, but rather to focus more intently on God and to learn to restrain our passions.

The reality is we are all going to be faced with trials and temptations at times when we don’t expect them and would never want them. Experience has shown that voluntarily abstaining from certain foods helps to break the hold our passions have on us.

I would point out two more things. Number one, Jesus said “when you fast”, not “if you fast.” Christ himself makes it crystal clear that there is great spiritual benefit to fasting. Number two, all of the ancient Apostolic Churches practice fasting as part of their traditions. The Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Oriental Orthodox Church and the Assyrian Church of the East all practice fasting. That fact alone testifies to the antiquity of the practice.

In Christ
Joe

 

[Bluegoat]

Fasting is not because foods are bad in and of themselves. The purpose of fasting, always coupled with prayer, is to train us to control our passions. Like athletes, we practice control of the passions so that when we are faced with “real” temptation we have practice resisting it.

In my experience, the Orthodox always fast under the direction of a spiritual adviser, who helps tailor the fast to his or her abilities and needs. In some cases a person may be told not to fast at all.

I don’t personally put a lot of store in the meat and dairy thing, but many people do think that. It is only an opinion though. Some foods do clearly affect us, so that in itself is true. Cutting out coffee might be a good thing for a person who wants to pray, both to calm the mind, and avoid the necessity to take frequent breaks.