When to fast. Orthodox Lent: Antiquity and Modern Practice

Today we publish 2 exciting chapters from the book "Nun from Intelligence"- about one of the combat missions of Major Natalya Malysheva and about the sensations from the tonsure of the nun Adriana - one and the same person with a truly amazing fate.

Language

In April 1942, we received the task to take "language". So far, attempts to carry out this operation have failed. Our already well-known scout Ivan Tyutyunov was appointed senior of the capture group. The operation was carefully prepared, and then, having thoroughly studied the daily routine in the enemy trenches, they began to act. I was also included in this group, so that if a prisoner was wounded, I could interrogate him.

And I answer: Nikolai Mikhailovich is for me - this is the commander who took me on reconnaissance, - he said that the prisoner was not an enemy.

At night, two of ours crawled up to the German trench, threw a grenade, jumped there and pulled out the German, who had been stunned by surprise. I was instructed to ensure the departure of the group. In a word, we got a "language".

Natalia Malysheva during the Great Patriotic War

And here he is standing in front of us, shocked by what happened, having lost his cap and trying to say something. I only parsed:

- Will they kill me?

At the same time, he trembled so much that I felt sorry for him, although it was not supposed to show such feelings towards the enemy. Someone, noticing my condition, came up and whispered to me:

- Are you sorry for him?

And I answer:

- And to me, Nikolai Mikhailovich - this is the commander who took me on reconnaissance, - he said that the prisoner was not an enemy.

I was like that throughout the war. While the German is shooting at us, killing our soldiers, he is my enemy, who must be fought. And if he is helpless, in our hands - this is for me alive soul. I then gave him water, began to explain that if he wants to live, he must truthfully answer all the questions. He readily agreed and said that he was not a fascist at all, but a simple worker. After the first interrogation, we sent him to headquarters.

During the capture, he lost his cap, and I gave him my spare wool balaclava. The next day, the newspaper detailed how they took the language, and at the end it was said: “You should have seen this conqueror of the universe! He is standing, trembling, in a filthy robe, and some kind of dirty rag is wrapped around his head. I was so indignant: “What a disgrace - this is my clean, brand new balaclava!” - that I even forgot that the article is about our feat and it is especially emphasized that during interrogation the German gave out important information ...

Ivan Tyutyunov, who led that operation, died in July 1942 while performing a combat mission in the village of Vragovo, Novgorod Region.

Our pecked at the German provocation. The sent agent called himself a defector and said that the village would be free all day ahead. We decided to take it and ran into an ambush. Tyutyunov was killed on the spot. That day he drank half a glass of vodka for the first time and said:

- Either the chest is in crosses, or the head is in the bushes.

And before that, I never drank while going to reconnaissance.

He fell dead where no one could pull him out. Several were wounded when they tried to get the body - the Germans had already shot the place. All summer the corpse of Tyutyunov lay in the sun until it completely dried up ...

Adriana

On April 13, 2000, I was tonsured into a robe with a new name - Adriana. Thus began a new stage in my life.

I will never forget the days of tremulous expectation of tonsure, and especially this day itself. Our new robe was placed in the altar the day before. In the far corner of the right aisle, the future nuns dressed in long white linen shirts and stockings. With loose hair, covered in the robes of our spirit guides, we slowly moved between the two rows of singing sisters to royal doors. Only candles burned. During the procession, we were crucified three times on the floor. I didn't feel tired. A strange, distinct feeling of returning to childhood took possession of me. The past years, all the infirmities are gone - I was that child who, in the early morning, before dawn, ran away from home to “watch out” for the first rays of the sun, born on the edge of the earth, beyond the horizon, and my soul rejoiced. I experienced almost the same thing when we stood in front of the altar and Vladyka Alexy holding the cross and the Gospel. My heart was ready to jump out of my chest.

I will never forget the minutes of waiting for my new name, and when Vladyka said: “Our sister Adriana,” it was hard for me to contain my joy. Now I will forever remain with my holy martyr Natalia, since she and Adrian are one in body and soul.

I was later told about some unusual expression on my face when taking the tonsure. Probably so it was.

This was followed by three wonderful, unforgettable sleepless nights of prayer in the temple, our introduction to the altar, the daily communion of the Holy Mysteries.

I settled in monastic cell and tried to enter a new life for me. The only burden was my physical inability to work on an equal footing with everyone else. Although they delicately reassured me, saying that old nuns always lived in the monasteries, who only prayed and helped the sisters with good advice and love. This is my great consolation: I really sincerely love my dear children, and it seems that they feel it.

We have extraordinary beautiful temple, like our entire small territory, which strikes everyone who comes with special grace, like a small corner of the Kingdom of Heaven in the center of the Russian capital.

My cell is small, but very comfortable. Her main asset is the lovingly arranged iconostasis, where the images of all my favorite saints have harmoniously taken their place and the icon lamp is constantly burning. From the window of the cell you can see the temple and most of the courtyard, which turns into a marvelous flowering garden in summer.

Forgiveness can only be begged for by sincere faith and good deeds, but how little has been accomplished in this field!

It is always good in the temple: both during the service and in free time, when it remains open for people who want to light candles or submit notes. Peace and quiet, flickering candles, the faces of saints bestow grace immediately upon entering. So good to sit in a corner and indulge in inner prayer! Here come the long-awaited tears of heartfelt remorse for all the bad things that happened in life.

In this temple, my dear nephew Sevochka was buried, who literally burned down from a terrible disease that suddenly fell upon him. I became, in essence, his second mother. Always in the most difficult days of his life, he came to me for help, he trusted me in everything, and we were very close with him in our views. Everything that still connected me with the world left with him. I believe that the Lord forgave his sins and accepted his soul into His Kingdom...

Eleven years of my monastic life. How many more days are left for me to correct my deeds? Forgiveness can only be begged for by sincere faith and good deeds but how little has been accomplished in this field!

Priest John Pavlov

70. Why you need to fast

Everyone knows that fasting is an integral part of Christian life. Orthodox Christians fast on Wednesday and Friday of every week - these are the so-called one-day fasts, and, in addition, there are four more multi-day fasts - before the great holidays of Easter, Christmas, the Assumption and the holy apostles Peter and Paul. In total, more than half of all days of the year are fast days.

Why does the Church attach such importance to fasting and pay so much attention to it? After all, it would seem, what is the significance of eaten or uneaten sausage or sour cream for our relationship with God? This question is usually asked either by people who are far from the Church, or by Protestants and Catholics, whose fasts are actually abolished at the present time. What is the answer to this? The answer must be this: our relationship with God, or, in other words, spiritual life, very much depends on whether we observe the Lenten statutes of the Church or are accustomed to never deny ourselves anything. To confirm this truth, let us briefly recall the reasons why a Christian needs to fast.

So, firstly, fasting is our participation in the life, labors and sufferings of Christ. We call ourselves Christians, that is, followers of Jesus Christ. If we are His followers, we must imitate Him, learn from Him, follow Him. Christ, the Son of God, endured the Cross, was crucified for us, and we, in our measure, must respond to this endless sacrifice of His love, we must labor and suffer together with Him, take part in His feat, in His Cross. However, we know that a person is weak, that he is often too attached to everything earthly and therefore, of his own free will, is unable to limit himself in anything, to endure even small ascetic labors. Therefore, our wise mother, the Church, established fasts - so that a person, observing them, could work at least a little with Christ, take part in the feat of His life. St. Ambrose of Milan says: “... wanting to be a Christian, do the same as Christ did. He, having no sin, fasted for forty days, but you, a sinner, do not want to fast… you are satiated, while Christ was hungry for you…” So, through fasting, we participate in the sufferings and labors of Christ, lifted up by Him for the salvation of people.

Secondly, fasting greatly helps Christians in the battle against the enemies of our salvation, to which we are called. The Apostle Paul says that we are waging war against the principalities, powers, and rulers of the darkness of this world, against spirits of wickedness in high places. In the fight against them, we must resist and win. And the strongest weapon in such a struggle is fasting. Christ Himself points to this weapon: the race of demons, He says, is driven out only by prayer and fasting. That is, without fasting, this kind is not expelled. The devil received power over man through the intemperance of Adam, who ate the forbidden fruit. Perhaps that is why getting rid of his power is possible in the opposite way - through abstinence, or otherwise fasting. It can be seen from the Gospel that it was after a forty-day fast in the desert that Christ inflicted the first defeat on the enemy. St. Isaac of Syria speaks of this: “It was only through fasting that human nature gained its first victory over the devil: before fasting, the human race did not know victory, and the devil never experienced his defeat from our nature; but from this weapon he was exhausted at the very beginning. Our Lord was the leader and the firstborn of this victory, in order to place the first victorious crown on the head of our nature. And as soon as the devil sees this weapon on one of the people, this enemy and tormentor immediately comes into fear, immediately thinks and remembers his defeat by the Savior in the wilderness, and his strength is crushed, and the view of the weapon given to us by our Chief Leader burns his".

Further, it should be said about fasting that it helps us a lot in spiritual life: in prayer, contemplation, and communion with God. The fact is that a person consists of a soul and a body, and they, being closely related, influence each other, so that the state of the soul depends on the state of the body. If the human body is satiated, then it also binds the soul to flesh and matter, makes it heavy and wingless, unable to rise above the dust of the earth. A bird cannot rise to the sky if its wings are clipped. Also, an airplane, if it is too overloaded, will not be able to take off. So a person, if he is satiated and does not deny himself anything, cannot come closer to God. “A well-fed womb,” says St. John of Kronstadt, “loses faith, the fear of God, and becomes insensible for prayer, for thanksgiving and glorification of God.”

The next reason to fast is that through fasting we render obedience to our mother Church. If we do not fast, then we show by this that the Church is not our mother, that we do not want to listen to her, and that we ourselves know better than her how to live. If we fast, then we confirm by this that the Church is our mother and we are her children, because we listen to her. After all, we render obedience to various human institutions, obey, for example, state laws or listen when a doctor prescribes this or that diet for us in our illnesses. Whoever has a stomach ache should not eat spicy and fried foods, and whoever has diabetes should not eat sweets. If in this we render obedience to people, shall we not listen to the Church? After all, a diet is prescribed by a doctor for the health of the body, which is short-lived and mortal, and the institutions of the Church, including fasting, are aimed at healing the immortal soul - in order to prepare it for blissful eternity, for a life that has no end.

Further, it should be said that fasting is a strong weapon in the fight against those flesh and blood, about which it is said in the Apostle Paul that they will not inherit the Kingdom of God. By "flesh" in the words of the apostle one must understand the passions and sins of the body, and by "blood" - the passions and sins of the soul. That is, flesh and blood are two components of a leper, spoiled and sold under sin human nature which became our inalienable property after the fall of Adam. Saint Ignatius Brianchaninov speaks about it this way: living soul Adam was created, the Spirit of God was present with his soul and set it in motion; why this movement was a spiritual movement, in God. When Adam sinned, the Spirit of God departed from him; Adam's soul immediately died, but flesh and blood revived. By means of them, the devil began to act on the soul, to keep it in darkness, death, captivity ... "

From the fallen flesh and blood grow, as from a seed, all our sins and passions, all our bad thoughts, words and deeds. If we live by this, live by flesh and blood, then we are not able to enter the Kingdom of God and remain in it. Elsewhere in his writings, St. Ignatius says that flesh and blood do not follow the narrow path of salvation also because they are proud. Being proud, they reject humility and repentance, but always want to prosper, magnify, enjoy. “Do you understand,” he writes in a letter to one monk, “that flesh and blood are proud? - Look at the decorated flesh, at the abundant blood - how pompous and arrogant they are! “It is not without reason that poverty and fasting are commanded to us!”

Further, fasting is our sacrifice to God, sacrificing ourselves. If we have lost weight and turned pale during fasting, this means that we have sacrificed a piece of ourselves, a part of our own body to God. And according to the words of the Holy Fathers, it is the sacrifices, labors and sorrows endured for His sake that please God most of all.

It should also be said that when we fast, we are imitators of the saints and the righteous, who all fasted without exception, and often very strictly. Therefore, observing the Lenten statutes of the Church, we become one with the saints - their followers and brothers in arms. In addition, through fasting we become one and with all universal Church distributed throughout our planet. Here, for example, comes great post, and Orthodox Christians living on all five continents begin the Lenten feat in the same way: in Solovki and Ethiopia, in Australia and Japan, in America, Indonesia and even Antarctica. And this testifies to their unity, their brotherhood, their catholic unity, their fidelity to the path along which the saints of Christ's Church walked.

So we see that there are many reasons for fasting. But the post, like any Christian virtue, must be done with reason. Without reasoning, the performed virtue instead of benefit will bring us harm. Fasting should be as strict as possible, but strictly in moderation. “Measure paints every thing,” says St. Isaac of Syria, “without measure, it turns to harm and is revered as beautiful.” You need to determine for yourself the correct measure of fasting. This measure is different for everyone. One measure for schemamonks and hermits, another for monks living in a monastery, and a third for laity. And again, for the laity, this measure can be very different: it depends on the age, state of health, physical constitution and lifestyle of each Christian.

Strict fasting certainly requires that there be peace in the soul of the fasting person. If a person lives in rhythm big city if he often worries, experiences anxiety and anxiety, then fasting should be moderate, because in this case a strict fast will not benefit the soul. In addition, it can harm physical health. Fasting does not harm health if a person has peace, prayer and Grace in his soul. Visitors asked Elder Paisios the Holy Mountaineer about this: “Geronda, how has your stomach not been spoiled by so many fasts?” And the elder answered: “The stomach does not deteriorate from fasting. However, if a person is upset, then he needs to eat. Because when a person is upset, his stomach constantly produces gastric juice, which should be produced only for the digestion of food. The juice corrodes the walls of the stomach, and it begins to hurt. A person should eat in accordance with the state in which he is.

When the health of the body is damaged, it often happens that the soul of a person is also harmed. Saint Nektarios of Aegina wrote to one nun: “Illness hinders spiritual growth for those who have not reached perfection. You need health for spiritual work. He who is imperfect and who goes out to fight will be smitten, know this, if he is not healthy, for he will lack that moral strength that strengthens the perfect. For the imperfect, health is a chariot that carries the fighter to the victorious end of the battle. That is why I advise you to be reasonable, know the measure in everything and avoid excesses. Strictness goes hand in hand with the measure of virtue... Being in good health, you will be able to grow spiritually, otherwise your efforts will be in vain. You must measure the severity of the fasts with your health, so as not to be forced to leave the seclusion in the cities in search of healing from bodily ailments.

For this reason, the Church allows various indulgences in fasting. After all, our Church is not a soulless tyrant, but a loving and wise mother. She does not say: “Die, but fast” - and does not mechanically measure everyone with one measure. For example, for those suffering from any disease, indulgence in fasting is allowed - up to its complete abolition, because illness in a sense replaces fasting. Indulgences are also allowed for pregnant, lactating, traveling. Fasting with all severity does not apply to children. In general, when determining the measure of fasting for someone, one must always remember that fasting is not an end, but only a means. Yes, it is a strong and necessary means, but still it is only a means. The goal is to draw closer to God, connect and communicate with Him. “Fasting,” says the blessed Diadoch, “has a price, but not before God. He is only a tool. The skill of an artist is valued not by the perfection of his tools, but by the perfection of his works. Therefore, in cases where fasting becomes an end in itself, it does not bring a person closer to God, but, on the contrary, removes them. And this should always be remembered.

IN church calendar There are 4 main fasts - periods in which Christians restrict themselves in food and worldly entertainment. Despite the fact that fasts vary in duration, some can “swim” in time intervals, they are united by the goal: preparation for the big holidays. How to observe fasting so as not to harm the body?

What is fast food and what are its benefits?

For people who are not churched, fasting is a torture of the body, which consists in limiting oneself in all respects. But having understood the intricacies, it becomes clear that fasting food is just the tip of the iceberg, the meaning of fasting lies much deeper: in the rejection of secular entertainment, paying attention to prayers, reflections on life, good deeds, helping loved ones.

Lenten nutrition without a spiritual component is just one of the diet options, but even starting with it, you need to understand that the church does not require strict adherence to the rules if a person is not yet able to do so. You can start small, giving up flour, sweet, coffee - what takes important place. By humbling the flesh, it is possible to direct the spirit on the right path, to train willpower. And at the same time - cleanse the body of toxins and toxins, excess fluid, remove extra pounds. As a result, the skin will become radiant, the hated sides will melt, and the mood and performance will increase significantly.

In the strictest sense, lean nutrition is a complete rejection of animal products and dishes, which include them:

• Meat and meat products;
• Milk, dairy and dairy products;
• Eggs;
• Fish and seafood, except for caviar.

Accordingly, baking and pastry, mayonnaise, soups with meat and fish broth, potato pancakes, sweets, and chocolate are prohibited. In the original, you need to give up coffee, sweet carbonated drinks, alcohol, smoking - artificial stimulants of the nervous system.

It sounds threatening and creates the feeling that all possible food is banned. In practice, it turns out that you can make a varied and tasty menu with health benefits.

It’s worth mentioning right away that such strict rules are imposed only during Great Lent, fish is allowed in the rest and there are other indulgences.

If the goal of fasting is to lose weight, then you should not try to embrace the immensity and you need to start small.

The basics of a healthy lean diet

1. Moderation and awareness. It is important to review your diet, evaluate how much excess junk food is consumed and understand what you can give up so that the restrictions are beneficial. Even a decrease in portions compared to regular meals will give their result: the stomach gets used to smaller portions, saturation occurs faster.
2. Fiber and complex carbohydrates, base fast food, give a long feeling of satiety, which reduces the amount of food eaten and promotes weight loss.
3. Fasting time is a chance to teach your body to work without artificial stimulants - coffee, strong tea, energy drinks, smoking, alcohol. A modern person, without realizing it, is dependent on these seemingly harmless substances akin to a drug: the morning begins with a cup of coffee and cigarettes, they also boost efficiency and calm the nerves during the working day, which often ends with a bottle of beer or a glass of wine. . Giving up bad habits will give the body a chance to become healthier.
4. Fast food and convenience foods do not supply cells with vitamins, trace elements, amino acids, essential proteins and complex carbohydrates. But calories and fat are in abundance. Sugar, sweeteners, artificial additives stimulate appetite and lead to overeating, which means excess weight.
5. Junk food slagging the body, depriving it of the ability to function properly, absorb vitamins and minerals. The stomach does not cope with its functions, the load on the kidneys and liver increases. If we add here the unfavorable ecological situation, the medicines that are taken out of the first-aid kit at the first sneeze, it becomes clear that the body needs help.

How healthy food works

The basis of lean nutrition is cereals and vegetables / fruits. Foods rich in fiber stimulate intestinal motility, removing all unnecessary. Excess fluid leaves, swelling subsides - weight is reduced.

The fasting calendar indicates the days during which you need to abstain from food, taking only water. Such fasting days will be beneficial, but you should not force your own body, you can drink herbal teas, infusions and decoctions, if it's hard, add a small amount of vegetables or fruits.

Why no meat?

Ancient people were hunters, meat occupies an important place in the diet of modern man, except for those who voluntarily refused it for one reason or another. Refusal of meat food during fasting is a test of the spirit, but it benefits the body: plant foods are easier to digest, the body releases reserve energy, which is not cleansed.

Plant foods are alkaline and aid in cleansing, while animal foods acidify the body and take a long time to digest.

Concerns about a lack of protein are unfounded and in vain: there is enough protein in plant foods, legumes (beans), nuts, seeds, cereals, and greens should be included in the diet. Vegetable protein is easier to digest and replenishes the deficiency faster.

Who doesn't mind fast food?

• People who want to lose weight. A balanced diet during fasting helps to get rid of extra pounds without harm to the body;
• People with metabolic disorders, lack of weight - a chance to establish metabolic processes and gain weight, no matter how strange it may sound;
• People with various diseases proper nutrition with restrictions will make it possible to strengthen the immune system;
• Those who suffer from digestive problems will be able to normalize the work of the gastrointestinal tract;
• Anyone who seeks to cleanse the body and temper the character, improve mood and well-being.

Vegetable food calms the nervous system, reduces nervousness and anxiety. Due to the reduction in the amount of food eaten and the rejection of certain products, weight will decrease, work will normalize internal organs. Beautiful appearance, healthy skin, slim figure will cheer you up. In addition, fasting is an excellent willpower training, testing yourself for strength, and the time saved on cooking can be spent on something useful.

What to be ready for?

At first glance, it seems that eating according to the rules of fasting is difficult. At a second glance, it turns out that it is. But if you prepare for fasting correctly and with concentration, then many difficulties and pitfalls can be avoided:

• You should not immediately limit yourself on “all counts”, if the decision to fast is made for the first time, you should weigh your options and draw up a personal plan of “prohibitions”. It is better to give yourself small indulgences initially, for example, give up sweet, floury, fatty, meat, but leave dairy products, or fish once a week, than limit everything, and break loose after a few days;
• Lean food does not mean tasteless food. You can diversify the diet, there are a lot of recipes on the Internet meatless dishes. Although, strictly speaking, fasting involves the rejection of pleasures, including food, the diet should not be monotonous.

The main thing during fasting - good relations to others, patience and understanding, spiritual work on oneself. A person who does not eat meat but "eats" his fellow men will not benefit. Fasting, in which a person, having limited himself in food, is angry at everyone around because he is hungry, is not useful. A fast in which a person observing it pokes his holiness to everyone around and points out their sinfulness is wrong.

Fasting is a time to reconsider your habits, give up excessive satiety and cleanse yourself of spiritual and bodily debris.

Any fast, if kept correctly, only benefits the body.

However, many still perceive fasting as a kind of punishment, which is fundamentally wrong.

If you know how to eat right in fasting, then this period will fly by for you unnoticed.

In addition, you will be surprised how many interesting and varied dishes you can cook in fasting.

Fasting for the Orthodox - what is it?

Fasting is a temporary, voluntary restriction or complete rejection of fast food, as well as a struggle with one's passions. At this time, you need to refrain not only from quick food, but also from visiting entertainment events and establishments of this kind. This is our gratitude to God for his great Sacrifice. Fasting is a kind of treatment that is designed to pacify and lighten the body, as well as disarm passions and curb desires. Everything today more people they try to keep fasting, but, unfortunately, many perceive it as a diet, which is fundamentally wrong. Fasting is much more than just not eating. As John of Damascus wrote: “If fasting was all about food, then cows would be holy.”

In fasting, as in everything else, you need to know when to stop. There is no need to go from one extreme to another. Before you start fasting, consult with your confessor or priest. And of course, the post should not become shortcut get to the hospital.

In Orthodoxy, there are four multi-day fasts:

Veliky, Petrov, Assumption and Nativity fast.

Wednesday and Friday.

One day posts:

Fasts are appointed on the eve of any holiday or in honor of it.

great post gives every Orthodox person the opportunity to prepare for the Easter holiday. Christ prayed in the wilderness for forty days, after which he was betrayed and accepted martyrdom on the cross, thereby delivering the entire human race from sin. Orthodox, observing this fast, as it were, go all this way together with Christ. This is one of the most strict posts.

When the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles, they dispersed to preach the gospel all over the world, constantly being in labor, prayer and fasting. In honor of this event, and was appointed Petrov post. After all, every Orthodox person must preach with his life Orthodox faith.

Assumption post dedicated to the Mother of God. It allows all Orthodox to prepare for the great feast of the Dormition Holy Mother of God who, preparing to meet her Son, prayed and fasted a lot. This post is equal in severity to the Great.

Christmas post- the last of the year. It was established so that every Orthodox purifies his soul by fasting, repentance and prayer. We must meet the Savior who came into the world with a pure soul and heart in order to show our desire to follow the teachings of Christ.

How to fast: rules, behavior, church attendance

There are a few basic rules to follow in order to understand how to fast properly.

1. Before you start fasting, you need to understand that abstinence from food is a tool with which a person fights his sins. It is necessary to abstain from food, and not to exhaust yourself and your body. You must soberly assess your strength, depending on your preparation for fasting and your state of health.

2. Fasting requires gradual entry and preparation. Start preparing for it by abstaining from fast food on Wednesdays and Fridays throughout the year.

3. For those who wish to fast for the first time, it is recommended that you first talk with the priest, tell him about your physical and state of mind and ask for blessings for fasting.

4. It is desirable to attend all church services that take place during fasting. but modern man it is quite difficult to follow this rule, especially for those who work constantly. But still, try to visit evening service Saturday and of course Sunday services.

5. During the Great, and now also other fasts, the sacrament of the Unction is performed in the churches, which should not be missed by any Orthodox person who decides to keep the fast. The time of this sacrament must first be known, since in different temples it is held in different time. After the rite of Unction, at the first opportunity it is necessary to take communion.

6. Merely abstaining from food without prayer will not benefit the soul. Moreover, it can be harmful if a person, abstaining from fast food, begins to rise above others. Orthodox person during fasting, he should devote himself to prayer, refraining from passions and vices, repentance, doing good deeds, forgiveness of offenses, watching less TV and attending entertainment events.

7. In Lately more and more often, such a statement began to sound that it was allegedly not necessary to abstain from fast food, the main thing was to do good deeds and not offend anyone. It may be true, but it is impossible to humble your spirit without measuring your body. As mentioned above, do not go from one extreme to another. Temperance and good deeds during fasting should be inseparable.

8. Fasting is a time of reconciliation. Try to build relationships with your friends and loved ones if you were in conflict before.

9. In addition to abstinence in food, every Christian should concentrate his strength on good deeds. To the best of our ability to help those in need. It can be not only a material sacrifice, but also your work and care for those who need it.

10. Every person knows about his weaknesses. Fasting is just the time when you can start fighting them. For example, try to overcome bad habits. Of course, this cannot be done without prayer. Devote every free minute to prayer and reading the Gospel.

How to eat right in fasting: when and what can you eat?

There are several types of posts:

— strict post- refusal of any food and drinks, except for plain drinking water;

— xerophagy- consumption of plant foods in kind without exposing it to cooking;

— eating boiled food- it is allowed to eat plant foods, having previously prepared it, but without filling it with oil;

— eating boiled food with oil- it is allowed to cook vegetable food with the addition of vegetable oil;

— eating fish- not only cooked plant foods are allowed, but also fish and seafood.

The church clearly defines what dietary rules should be followed on certain days. Let's look at them in detail for each. days of fasting:

1. Lent.

First and Holy Week fasting - the most stringent fasting, only raw food without oil or a complete refusal to eat is allowed.

Monday, Wednesday and Friday - raw vegetables.

Tuesday and Thursday - meals without oil. Boiled dishes from vegetables, legumes, mushrooms and cereals.

Saturday and Sunday - the addition of oil is allowed. Cooked or steamed food.

Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary - fish dishes are allowed.

Lazarus Saturday and Palm Sunday- fish caviar and boiled dishes with butter are allowed.

Good Friday- a complete refusal to eat until the removal of the shroud.

2. Petrov post.

Throughout the fast, with the exception of Monday, Wednesday and Friday, you can eat fish dishes.

Monday - cooking without oil. Hot dishes.

Wednesday and Friday - raw food diet.

On other days, you can cook dishes with the addition of oil. Mushroom, vegetable, fish dishes and cereals.

Nativity of John the Baptist - fish dishes are allowed.

3. Assumption post. The duration of the fast is only two weeks, but it is equal in severity to the Great.

Monday, Wednesday and Friday - raw food diet.

Tuesday and Thursday - cooking without oil. Boiled dishes from cereals, legumes and mushrooms.

Saturday and Sunday - cooking boiled dishes with butter.

Transfiguration of the Lord - fish dishes are allowed.

4. Christmas Post. Until December 19, the rules for eating are the same as the rules for Petrov Fast.

On the days of the feasts of St. Nicholas and the Entry into the Church of the Most Holy Theotokos, fish dishes are allowed.

Fish is prohibited in last week post.

On Wednesday and Friday, the Orthodox fast, remembering the betrayal of Judas and the martyrdom of Christ.

Of course, it is very difficult to follow all these rules, especially for those who have decided to fast for the first time. Therefore, before each fast, it is necessary to communicate with the priest and take his blessing.

Foods that should not be consumed on any fast days:

- any meat and offal;

- animal fat, margarine and butter;

- sour-milk and dairy products;

- mayonnaise;

- fish and seafood (except on certain days when it is allowed).

Products that are allowed to be consumed in fasting:

- fruits and vegetables;

- greenery;

- vegetable oil;

- cereals and flakes from cereals;

- spices and spices;

- legumes;

- Soy meat.

As you can see, during fasting it is enough big choice products from which you can cook many delicious and healthy lenten dishes.

How to fast in Great Lent: who can be allowed relief

There are certain categories of people who are allowed some indulgence in fasting, or are not recommended to fast at all. These categories include:

1. Children under 7 years of age. At this age, the body is actively formed, so do not exclude fish and meat from the child's diet. You can replace some of these products with vegetable proteins: buckwheat, legumes, nuts and mushrooms.

2. Pregnant and lactating. Women during pregnancy and breastfeeding are allowed to eat eggs, dairy products and fish.

3. People who have had serious illnesses. To restore strength, such people need amino acids and fats.

4. People suffering from chronic diseases.

5. Travelers and people who work hard physically.

If you are fasting for the first time, you can give yourself a little indulgence by consulting with the priest before doing so.

If he did not keep his fast: what punishment should he assign to himself?

This question torments those who tried to keep the post, but at some point broke down. In fact, only your priest can punish you for this. He can assign you a reading Penitential Canon for several days or certain work, for example, caring for the elderly or sick people. That is, by some kind of good deeds to atone for this sin.

In fact, fasting is very individual. Even if you refuse, for example, only meat, this is already good. After all, one person has enough willpower to immediately keep a strict fast, while another will not be able to do it, and he will begin to grumble. Today you give up meat, and the next post you will give up milk. If it makes you feel better, you can gradually give up fast food.

Post Calendar for 2016

Every Wednesday and Friday except Continuous weeks.

Now you know how to fast properly. Start your feat by fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays. Today on the Internet you can find a lot of interesting recipes for fast days. And remember that simply abstaining from food, without restricting yourself in anything else, is not fasting, but a diet! Happy posting!

Everyone knows that a believer should fast, however, not everyone knows true value post, its main purpose and mechanism.

People who are weak believers and ignorant of the fundamental Orthodox Church, but at the same time, those who sincerely strive to know them and live according to the Law of God, it is of paramount importance to understand the purpose of fasting, accept and understand its components, and only then begin to fast. For, that fast will not be useful, adhering to which the believer does not realize all its true necessity.

What is a post?

Post is religious tradition temporary complete or partial refusal to eat and drink, associated with a number of other diverse spiritual and ascetic practices. At the same time, fasting should be a voluntary act performed for the glory of the Lord God.

The post means:

- abstinence from tasty and satisfying food, and all kinds of entertainment;

- a thorough and deep examination of one's soul and the cleansing of its sinfulness;

- a sincere motivation to do good deeds, to communicate with God through prayer and reflection on one's spiritual destiny.

The result of the post is spiritual growth, its benefit is to stay in deep concentration and sobriety, in a heartfelt and unshakable call to God that He be present in the life of a believer, forgive him and guide him on the path of righteousness.

The point of the post.

Man is arranged in such a way that his flesh continuously and powerfully exerts pressure on his soul. Each of us constantly resists such carnal pressure. For the corporeal side of a person desires the opposite of the spiritual side, and the spirit, accordingly, desires the opposite of the flesh. It is the Orthodox fast that helps the believer to tame his flesh and cope with its sinful desires.

A Christian, temporarily renouncing what he is accustomed to and without which he cannot imagine his own life, educates his soul, teaches it to resist its carnal demands. Fasting for the believer is, first of all, the "educator" of the soul. That is why you need to fast consciously, with the goal of spiritual development and not for the sake of bragging and the approval of others.

To understand the mechanism of fasting, one must first understand that fasting should not be regarded from the point of view of the category of changing the type of food consumed, it is important to perceive fasting as a time of strict abstinence, deliberate restriction of oneself and the possibility of developing fortitude in oneself.

Considering the mechanism of fasting, it is necessary to take into account the natural needs of a person, which determine his comprehensive growth and development. However, it is important to understand that it does not take much to satisfy them. All excesses are the carnal desires that have enslaved the soul of the sinner. Each of us should strive to get rid of this slavery and make our flesh weaker and weaker through fasting.

Of course, fasting does not give complete freedom from bodily passions, but it helps to suppress their strength and power. Fasting does not eradicate sinful passions, it weakens the flesh and its influence on the soul.

For every believer, fasting should not be an end in itself, but an auxiliary means that allows you to tame the flesh and elevate the spirit.

When deciding to fast, it is important to measure the degree of fasting with the physical state of health in which the believer is, i.e. the degree of fasting should be determined by the degree of health of a person. There are five main levels of fasting:

- the first degree allows the use of fish and any vegetable products (both raw and cooked);

- the second degree allows you to eat vegetables and boiled fruits flavored with vegetable oil;

- the third degree allows you to eat only boiled food without adding vegetable oil;

- the fourth degree is characterized by dry eating (uncooked vegetable food without oil);

- the fifth degree prescribes a complete refusal of food, in which only water intake is allowed.

In the old days, a person was distinguished by better health than now. main vault church rules It was written taking into account the fact that most people during fasting achieved its main goal - to make the flesh weaker and more infirm for the benefit of spiritual growth.

However, the current generation, in the presence of numerous serious and chronic diseases not always able to get the true benefit from fasting. In this connection, for some people, it is necessary to determine the indulgence in fasting. Children, pregnant women, people suffering from a serious illness or engaged in heavy physical labor, on the instructions of the priest, can receive an individual degree of fasting severity, corresponding to their state of health and the characteristics of the body that they possess.

Accompany fasting with frantic prayer, sincere faith and boundless love, and then it will have real value, correct value and true meaning!