We have many fasts in our church: the Christmas fast called Advent, the great lent, the Apostles’ fast, The Virgin Mary’s fast, Jonah’s fast and every Wednesday and Friday of the week. The oldest of these fasts is the great lent! This fast is for 55 days = 1 preparation week + 40 days as our Lord Jesus fasted for us + 1 week which is called the Holy week or the Pascha week.
What is fasting? It is a method that helps us defeat the devil. Fasting doesn’t mean we stop eating some food only, but we also stop lying, gossip, getting angry and all other sins. We should also take this time to pray a lot and read our Bibles more. We try and give more to the poor during lent. Fasting is supposed to be a secret! We shouldn’t go around showing off to people. You should however explain to your friends at school why you fast if they ask you. It might get hard to fast but Jesus will help you!
“I can do all thing through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13)