Observance of fasting is allowed, but it is preferred that it be meaningful and spiritually enriching rather than merely an external formality.

Balanced Fasting: The Journey to Spiritual Renewal

Observance of fasting is allowed, but it is preferred that it be meaningful and spiritually enriching rather than merely an external formality. Several sources emphasize that while all Christians understand the necessity of prayer for the salvation of the soul, the significance of fasting is often not fully realized. For example, it is stated:
"if the necessity of prayer for the salvation of the soul is recognized by all Christians, then the necessity of fasting is often not fully understood. And this is one of the insidious traps of dark spirits into which some contemporary Christians fall..." (source: link txt)

At the same time, fasting is described as a means of spiritual perfection when combined with a genuine desire for soul purity, repentance, and inner renewal. It is noted:
"Fasting is pleasing and acceptable to the Lord as the surge of a soul that longs for purity, striving to cast off the chains of sin and free the spirit from its bondage to the body..." (source: link txt)

However, choosing to observe fasting raises significant questions. The primary issue is whether one can limit oneself to merely following external rules, such as abstaining from food, or if true fasting must also include inner purification, a change in mindset, and a heart oriented toward God.

One text addresses this issue as follows: "But what is fasting in essence?

And is there not self-deception among those who deem it necessary to observe fasting only in letter while not loving it and feeling burdened by it in their hearts? Will fasting remain fasting if, beyond a change in the type of food, we do not consider repentance, abstinence, or the purification of the heart through intensified prayer?" (source: link txt)

It is also emphasized that fasting is an ascetic feat requiring preparation and gradual progression to avoid harming one’s health and to maintain spiritual balance:
"Fasting is an ascetic feat that demands preparation and gradual progression. One must enter fasting gradually, step by step, even beginning with abstaining from fast food on Wednesdays and Fridays throughout the year..." (source: link txt)

Moreover, for those who decide to observe fasting, it is recommended that they consult with an experienced spiritual advisor and take into account both their physical and spiritual conditions, as lenient measures are applied for certain groups (children, the sick, the elderly, pregnant women), since:
"Those wishing to observe fasting should consult with an experienced spiritual advisor, inform him of their spiritual and physical state, and ask for his blessing to pursue the fast. As for fasting children, the sick, and the elderly—fasting is not a straitjacket..." (source: link txt)

Thus, choosing to observe fasting is entirely acceptable if it aims at sincere purification and spiritual perfection rather than devolving into a mere formal adherence to a set of rules. This raises the question of how to maintain the balance between external abstinence and internal spiritual renewal so that fasting truly holds significance and does not merely serve as adherence to dietary restrictions.

Supporting citation(s):
"if the necessity of prayer for the salvation of the soul is recognized by all Christians, then the necessity of fasting is often not fully understood. And this is one of the insidious traps of dark spirits that some modern Christians fall into." (source: link txt)

"Fasting is pleasing and acceptable to the Lord as the impulse of a soul that longs for purity, striving to cast off the chains of sin and free the spirit from its bondage to the body." (source: link txt)

"But what is fasting in essence? And is there not self-deception among those who consider it necessary to observe fasting only in letter, while not loving it and feeling burdened by it in their hearts? Will fasting remain fasting if, beyond a change in the composition of food, we do not consider repentance, abstinence, or the purification of the heart through intensified prayer?" (source: link txt)

"Fasting is an ascetic feat that requires preparation and gradual progression. One must enter fasting gradually, step by step, even beginning with abstaining from fast food on Wednesdays and Fridays throughout the year." (source: link txt)

"Those wishing to observe fasting should consult with an experienced spiritual advisor, inform him of their spiritual and physical state, and ask for his blessing to pursue the fast... Fasting is not a straitjacket." (source: link txt)