Pope Shenouda III
However from the Church’s point of view, on the period of abstinence, we would like to pose the following question:
Is there any association between abstinence from eating and the ninth hour?
There is in fact some connection, for in the Church rite of the ninth hour prayers, we observe the selection of the Bible chapter, which deals with blessing of food after a period of hunger. (Luke 9:10-17).