Pope Shenouda III
The Meaning of “Consecrate a Fast”
The word “Consecrate” in its Greek origin means to sanctify. Thus when the Lord said to Moses: “Consecrate to Me all the firstborn, whatever opens the womb ... it is Mine.” (Ex 13:2), He meant that those firstborn should be sanctified to Him and not for any other purpose. The firstborn males used to devote themselves to the service of the Lord before Aaron and his offspring. The firstborn of cattle were also offered as a sacrifice.