Liturgical Theology Readings Christian fasting according to the image of the Lenten Triodion 

The Orthodox Christian teaching about fasting as an earthly podvig, obligatory for all believers in Christ, is apparently completely understandable without any additional explanations. In fact, it turns out to be much more complex than it seems at first glance.

Delving into the meaning and purpose of fasting reveals here many new details concerning the mood of the fasting person, the ultimate goals and the grace-filled gifts of fasting.

We find an authoritatively firm and exhaustively complete interpretation of the concept of fasting in Orthodox liturgical writings or in liturgical prayers, hymns and canons.

On the basis of fragmentary remarks on the fasting of church hymn-singers, it is possible to reveal the true point of view of the Church:

1. on the bodily being and 2. spiritual fasting, - 3. as expressions of human humility, prayerfulness and mercy, - and 4. The purpose of fasting in the process of salvation.

The liturgical illumination of the common Christian feat of fasting in all its aspects is given primarily by the Lenten Triodion.

Their liturgical instructions, for fifteen hundred years, have taught and continue to teach Christians to truly fast.

Who among the Orthodox faithful from early childhood did not perceive in the Church the soul-shattering edification of the above-mentioned holy persons about the God-pleasing passage of the time of fasting?

From the honey-flowing speeches of the Lenten Triodion, let us first of all extract the concept of bodily fasting.

1. BODILY FASTING

Bodily fasting is far from indifferent in the spiritual life of every Christian. Randomly and indiscriminately eaten food often arouses passion [1], coarsens the sensitivity of the soul and interferes with prayer. Once upon a time, the forefathers of the human race, Adam and Eve, through the eating of the fruit forbidden by God, were deprived of God's grace and were expelled from paradise.

Those who seek to return to the bright heavenly abodes achieve it by abstaining from excesses in nutrition and pleasures of the flesh [2].