وجبـــــــة روحيـــــ(†)ــــــــــة يوميـــــــــة

[Mary Naeem]

Pope Shenouda III





Nations also fasted



In the life of the famous spiritual leader, Mahatma Gandhi, we see that his fasting was the most manifest and distinctive feature of his life which he often used when faced with problems, and we have discussed this issue before here on st-takla.org in other pages. Doctors once told him that his blood had started to disintegrate after a long period of fasting.

[Mary Naeem]

Pope Shenouda III

Through fasting Yogis were able to discover some of the strength of the soul.

Hampered by one's care for the body the strength and power of the soul have only been discovered through fasting.

Hindus believe that the supreme state of Nirvana or the release of the soul from the body to become one with God can only be accomplished through intense asceticism, abstinence, and fasting.

Thus we see that even a soul that is far from the work of the Holy Spirit, and free from bodily desires and its control, becomes a strong, able to attain some of its original natural potential. How much more so is the soul, which is in communion with the Spirit of God?

[Mary Naeem]

Pope Shenouda III





Fasting is a gift


When we realise the benefits of fasting, we find that it is a blessing from God.
Yes, fasting is not merely a commandment from God but a godly gift, a grace and a blessing. God the creator of our body and soul knows of our need to fast for its benefit for our spiritual life, development and our eternity. He granted us the knowledge and manner of fasting. As a kind Father and a wise Teacher, He has recommended fasting for us.

[Mary Naeem]

Pope Shenouda III





Fasting precedes every grace and service

[Mary Naeem]

Pope Shenouda III





Through fasting, we prepare ourselves
to receive every blessing that God offers us.

[Mary Naeem]

Pope Shenouda III

Feasts bear for us certain blessings.
This is why fasting precedes every feast.

[Mary Naeem]

Pope Shenouda III

Communion bears for us a special blessing.
That is why we fast to be ready for it.

[Mary Naeem]

Pope Shenouda III





Priestly ordainment bears a blessing.
That is why we receive it with fasting.

Thus, the bishop who undertakes the ordainment fasts, the candidate for it also fasts, and all others who participate in these prayers.

[Mary Naeem]

Pope Shenouda III





At the time of our forefathers the disciples, the selection of deacons was accompanied with fasting: “As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul” And “having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them” (Acts 13:2,3).

[Mary Naeem]

Pope Shenouda III






Fasting also precedes service:
Before the Lord Jesus Christ started His overt service, He fasted for forty days, spending the time in seclusion with the Father on the mountain
We likewise, after ordaining a new priest, assign to him a period of forty days of fasting and seclusion, usually at a monastery, before he begins his service.