Spiritual Renewal Through Fasting

During fasting days, religious life takes on a special, almost magical quality, where every act of abstinence and prayer transforms into profound self-immersion. This period is not so much about renouncing the world as it is about preparing the Church for the long-awaited encounter with the Lord, reflecting its eschatological essence. In these sacred days, the liturgy does not merely accompany ascetic practices—it seems to pulse with anticipation, allowing the faithful to experience the dynamic process of spiritual renewal.

Special emphasis is placed on purifying the soul through repentance, prayer, and the deliberate renunciation of worldly pleasures. This approach enables each person to feel that fasting is embraced not as an era of deprivation but as a solemn state in which the community becomes a unified organism, ready for a spiritual celebration. This stands in contrast to other periods of church life, such as the Easter season, when joy and festivity take center stage in the cycle of worship.

In summary, the rhythms of the fasting period create a unique atmosphere of readiness and spiritual self-control, deepening faith and enabling everyone to experience a true reunion with the Divine essence. This approach not only helps one achieve inner balance, but also allows for the full experience of the power and beauty of the spiritual path.

How do religious practices during fasting compare to those outside of it?

Religious practices during fasting differ significantly from those conducted outside this period, thanks to the distinct liturgical and spiritual character of this time. During fasting days, the focus is on inner self-examination, soul purification, and preparing the Church for a special encounter with the Lord—a focus that is expressed not so much through ascetic renunciation of the world, but rather through a liturgical manifestation of the Church’s condition.

For example, one source describes this period in detail as follows:
"This abstinence continues until the ninth hour (i.e., 3 PM)—and such an understanding of fasting, once again borrowed from Judaism, can be defined as liturgical. It is linked to the perception of the Church as being 'not of this world' but yet dwelling 'in this world.' Fasting is the 'state' of the Church itself, the people of God, remaining in readiness and awaiting the parousia of the Lord. The emphasis here is not on the ascetic value of self-flagellation, but on the expression—through abstaining from food, that is, by refraining from submitting to a natural necessity—which is of the same eschatological nature as the Church and Christian faith itself. Fasting was seen as a kind of feast, a celebration." (source: link , page: 187)

This perspective underscores that fasting is perceived not merely as a period of worldly renunciation, but as a distinctive state of the Church, with abstinence practices expressing its eschatological character. This state of the Church, imbued with a rhythm of expectation and fulfillment, contrasts with periods when liturgical life is defined by other cycles, such as Easter, where the emphasis shifts to festive celebrations and joyous services.

Additionally, great attention is given to the purification of the soul through repentance, prayer, and the renunciation of worldly entertainments during Great Lent:
"During the days of Great Lent, particular attention is devoted to purifying the soul through repentance, fasting, and prayer, as well as detachment from pleasures and entertainments." (source: link , page: 200)

Thus, fasting practices are characterized by heightened self-discipline and deep inner concentration, which contrasts with the less regimented rhythm outside the fasting period—when spiritual life is marked by the distinction between everyday existence and specific cycles of worship, such as Easter. This division demonstrates that during fasting, religious practices are aimed at preparing for the forthcoming encounter with the Lord through inner spiritual growth and self-control, while outside of it the focus turns to festive celebration and the affirmation of the overall rhythm of church life that reflects the multifaceted aspects of faith.