"Word of Primate": Everyone should have their own measure of fasting

His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry. Photo: news.church.ua

On March 20, 2021, the "Inter" TV channel aired the second episode of the new season of the weekly programme “Word of Primate”, in which His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry spoke about the importance of fasting for people.

The Primate noted that the measure of fasting for each person should be different – someone during 40 days of Great Lent does not eat anything except prosphora and water, someone eats every day, but little by little, while another needs to eat three times a day, but the main thing is that fasting should not lead to disability.

“The measure of fasting for a person should be such that he/she does not become disabled from fasting. If fasting makes me unable to work, then this is not a reasonable and feasible fast. This fast is harmful to a person,” said His Beatitude.

The Primate of the UOC added that God loves it when a person fasts, but first of all, fasting should be reasonable and feasible.

“God loves when a person fasts when he/she tries to break away from evil and strives for good. Fasting is good for a person, but it should be reasonable and feasible. A reasonable fast means that a person should choose lean food that suits him/her. And a feasible fast means that you have to choose for yourself the measure of fasting that a person can do."

According to His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry, diligent fasting, even if it is not strict, strengthens a person, makes them noble and brings them closer to God.

“May the Lord help us to fast reasonably and as much as we can, may He give us the determination and courage to keep fasting, and we will become better. May God bless all of us,” the Primate wished.

As previously reported, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry celebrates 50 anniversary of the monastic tonsure.

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