Into the Wilderness

Into the Wilderness

IN THE CHRISTIAN EAST, the fasting seasons are always periods in which the practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving are observed in a heightened way. The particular rules for augmenting the services and for fasting vary from one Local Church to another (eg Greek,...
The Apostles Fast

The Apostles Fast

“AFTER THE LONG FEAST OF PENTECOST, fasting is especially necessary to purify our thoughts and render us worthy to receive the Gifts of the Holy Spirit … Therefore, the salutary custom was established of fasting after the joyful days during which we celebrated...
The Fast of the Apostles in the Home

The Fast of the Apostles in the Home

The fifty days from Pascha to Pentecost plus the week-long observance of this latter feast have been times of celebration, roughly coinciding with times of celebration in our secular society as well – Mothers’ Day, Memorial Day, graduations, and the like. But to...