However, since the Church seeks the

[Mary Naeem]

Pope Shenouda III








. However, since the Church seeks the sinners regardless of their state, it has not set fasting as a condition for this sacrament.
As for the sacrament of marriage, Jesus Christ exempted it, saying: “Can the friends of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them?” (Mark 2:19). However, the early ascetic church practiced the sacrament of marriage after the raising of the morning incense at which time the bride and groom fasted to receive the Holy Communion, and went on
fasting for the remainder of the day. Nowadays, this practice is uncommon. The faithful, who fast, gain the blessings of the Holy Spirit during the Church sacraments.