Understanding the different fasting types in Christianity can be overwhelming, so in this post, I aim to guide you through Orthodox practices, their roots, and how you can find the one that suits your journey to grow closer to God.
When we first became Christian Orthodox and decided to start fasting, we had no idea what that really looked like. Sure, we understood the general concept—I had even tried intermittent fasting before—but we were unsure what it meant from an Orthodox perspective. Was it going to be as strict as the Muslim fast, where you eat nothing from sunrise to sunset? Or was it a bit more flexible?
Like most, we turned to Mr. Google, only to be more confused than ever. References varied widely—some too detailed, some suspicious—so we reached out to our friends at Saint Luke's parish. It was through their guidance that we began to understand the basics: avoiding meat, dairy, olive oil, and alcohol on fasting days (with some exceptions for weekends). But with Great Lent looming, we weren’t sure we could jump straight into the deep end.
After talking with our spiritual advisor, we started with a modified fasting plan. That choice made all the difference. Now, I want to share what I’ve learned so you can make an informed decision about the different types of fasts available on your fasting journey.
Biblical and Historical Roots of Fasting
Fasting is a holistic discipline that integrates prayer, repentance, and acts of charity, helping believers align their physical actions with spiritual intentions and draw closer to divine grace. It has deep biblical and historical roots, stretching from the Old Testament through to modern Orthodox practice.
Fasting in the Old Testament
Fasting in the Old Testament
In the Old Testament, fasting was often a response to significant spiritual events or a demonstration of repentance. Moses fasted for 40 days on Mount Sinai before receiving the Ten Commandments (Exodus 34:28), a powerful act of devotion that emphasized the connection between fasting and spiritual discipline. This fast was an absolute fast, where Moses abstained from both food and drink for an extended period—a level of commitment only achievable by divine support. The Jewish people practiced various forms of fasting, including absolute fasts during times of crisis. For instance, Queen Esther called for a three-day absolute fast without food or water to seek deliverance for the nation of Israel (Esther 4:16). These fasts demonstrated total reliance on God and involved penitence for a common purpose.
Fasting in the New Testament
Fasting in the New Testament
In the New Testament, fasting continued to be a significant spiritual practice. Jesus Christ fasted for 40 days in the desert before beginning His ministry (Matthew 4:2). This period of full fasting, which likely involved abstaining from solid food and possibly drinking water, showed His obedience and reliance on the power of the Holy Spirit. It set a powerful precedent for Christian fasting as a tool for spiritual preparation and resilience. The early Christians, including the Apostles, also engaged in fasting as a group practice. Acts 13:2 describes believers fasting and praying before sending out Paul and Barnabas for missionary work, showcasing fasting as a discipline for seeking divine guidance.
Fasting Over The Years
Fasting Over The Years
Over time, these fasting practices evolved into more structured religious customs within the Orthodox Church. The Didache, a first-century Christian teaching, mentions fasting twice a week—a practice that mirrored the habits of the Jewish people and emphasized communal and personal acts of devotion. The Church Fathers, such as St. Basil the Great and St. John Chrysostom, emphasized fasting as a means of spiritual growth, humility, and repentance. They taught that fasting should not be an outward ritual but a sincere act of devotion accompanied by prayer, almsgiving, and abstinence from sin.
Today, absolute fasting—abstaining from all food and drink—is generally reserved for very short periods or special occasions due to practical and health considerations. Modern Orthodox fasting typically includes abstaining from certain types of food, such as meat and dairy, while maintaining hydration and minimal nourishment through simpler meals. This adaptation allows for sustained participation in spiritual practice without jeopardizing physical health.
The objective of fasting for Orthodox Christians today is to cultivate a deeper connection with God, promote spiritual growth, and practice humility and self-control.
🥗 Type 1: Standard Parishioner Plan (AKA "Normal Fast")
The Standard Parishioner Plan is the most common type of fasting observed by Orthodox Christians and aligns with the traditional guidelines outlined by the Church. This plan is suitable for most adult Christians in reasonably good health and is especially great for families or a married couple who want to fast together while maintaining their daily routines.
What It Looks Like Practically
In this plan, you refrain from consuming meat, dairy, eggs, olive oil, and alcohol on most fasting days. But don’t worry—there’s still plenty to enjoy! Seafood like shrimp or shellfish is usually permitted, and on specific feast days within the fasting periods, wine and olive oil may be allowed. Meals often center around choice foods like legumes, grains, fruits, and vegetables. This type of food nourishes the body while supporting the spiritual focus of the fast.
Fasting isn’t just about food, though. Incorporating non-food fasts, such as less coffee, reducing social media usage (etc.) can be a good idea for focusing more on prayer and spiritual reflection. Many small groups or families find that engaging in corporate fasting and days of prayer deepens their collective faith.
How It Works: Diet and Prayer
The diet is centered around simplicity and mindfulness. Plan your meals in advance so you can focus on the spiritual side without stressing over what to cook. Prayer is key—incorporate morning and evening prayers, and read passages from both the Old and New Testaments that highlight the spiritual purpose of fasting. Stories of the prophet Daniel and the Esther fast show numerous examples of people fasting for specific periods of time, often with great spiritual breakthrough.
What We Like About This Type of Fasting
- A balanced approach that suits most lifestyles
- Sustainable for longer periods and supports a healthy spiritual practice
- Encourages community involvement through group fasts and shared meals
What Is More Difficult About It
- Requires planning to avoid repetitive meals and ensure variety
- May be challenging for beginners unused to plant-based meals
- Maintaining spiritual focus for an extended fast can require discipline
Tips for Implementation
Start slow! If you’re new, try incorporating one or two fasting days a week to get used to it. Keep meals simple—lentil soup or roasted vegetables with rice are great options. Drink water and stay hydrated to avoid fatigue. Pair meals with evening prayers or a family Bible study to stay spiritually connected. Including non-food fasts like limiting screen time can also enhance the experience.
⚖️ Type 2: Modified Fasting Plan
The Modified Fasting Plan is a flexible option for those with health concerns, new converts, busy parents, or elderly individuals. This was our go-to when we started fasting as a family, and it helped us adapt without feeling overwhelmed.
What It Looks Like Practically
In this plan, you avoid meat, dairy, and eggs, but allowances for olive oil and wine are made more often. This makes it a great option for elderly individuals or those with specific health concerns who need to maintain energy and proper physical nourishment. You can also include more plant-based proteins like tofu, tempeh, or legumes for added nutrition. This way, you still adhere to the fasting spirit but with a bit more flexibility to keep up your energy.
How It Works: Diet and Prayer
The diet still revolves around plant-based foods but with more leeway. If you’re juggling work, kids, or health issues, this plan helps you keep the fast without feeling like it’s an impossible task. Prayers in this plan are usually shorter but more frequent, making them manageable even for the busiest days.
What We Like About This Type of Fasting
- Easier to maintain for those with demanding schedules
- Accessible for those new to fasting, the elderly, or with medical conditions
- Provides a good entry point into more disciplined fasting
What Is More Difficult About It
- May not feel as spiritually intensive
- Can sometimes lead to becoming too relaxed with the rules
Tips for Implementation
Start by talking with your spiritual advisor, as this fasting type should be adjusted based on individual needs. Modify your breakfast or lunch to something simple, like oatmeal or a salad. Schedule a short time during your day for prayer, even if it’s just five minutes. Drink water regularly, and if possible, include juice fasts for added energy. Consulting with a spiritual advisor can provide tailored advice and support.
🙏 Type 3: Ascetic Fast
The Ascetic Fast is the most rigorous type, often observed by monastics or those seeking profound spiritual renewal. While not for everyone, this fast can be taken up by laypeople for shorter periods, especially during significant times like Great Lent.
What It Looks Like Practically
This fast involves avoiding all animal products, olive oil, and wine. Some days even call for an absolute fast or total fast, where you don’t consume food or drink until a set time, such as sundown. Meals are minimalistic—think plain boiled vegetables, simple grains, and bread. The focus shifts from physical nourishment to spiritual enrichment.
During an Ascetic Fast, many choose to avoid pleasant food or choice foods that could be seen as indulgent. Adding a non-food fast, like refraining from certain activities, can heighten the spiritual focus. Incorporating sexual fasts or avoiding other comforts is sometimes practiced to align more closely with spiritual discipline.
How It Works: Diet and Prayer
The Ascetic Fast emphasizes spiritual practices over physical ones. Extensive prayers, readings from the Psalms, and participation in group fasts or days of prayer are integral. This fasting method is designed to promote consequent humility and self-discipline. The Apostle Paul’s emphasis on self-control and spiritual resilience offers a biblical foundation for this approach.
What We Like About This Type of Fasting
- Provides a deep spiritual breakthrough and growth
- Fosters strong discipline and a profound sense of humility
What Is More Difficult About It
- Physically demanding and not sustainable for long periods
- Can be challenging to balance with modern life responsibilities and health concerns
Tips for Implementation
Before starting an Ascetic Fast, seek blessings from your priest. Begin with shorter periods, like one or two days, to gauge your endurance and commitment. Plan your prayer and meditation times, and keep meals simple—boiled lentils or steamed vegetables with bread can be sufficient. Always drink water and maintain hydration, even during rigorous fasting periods. The goal is spiritual growth, so avoid turning it into a hypocritical fasting ritual that focuses solely on the outward act.
Main Orthodox Fasting Seasons
Fasting seasons in Orthodox Christianity are integral to spiritual life, offering structured times for believers to deepen their faith and engage in dedicated practices of abstinence, prayer, and reflection. Understanding how these seasons connect to the different fasting types in christianity can help you decide which approach best supports your spiritual journey.
🌿 Ongoing Fasts (Wednesday, Friday)
🌿 Ongoing Fasts (Wednesday, Friday)
Transitioning from daily fasting practices, we move into the weekly observances that provide continuity and keep the believer's heart and mind focused on Christ's sacrifice.
Wednesdays and Fridays are established as regular days of fasting, aligning with the Standard Parishioner Plan for most. For those with specific needs, adapting these days with the Modified Plan helps maintain participation. These weekly fasts act as reminders and opportunities for spiritual upkeep, making them essential to the rhythm of Orthodox Christian life.
Wednesdays and Fridays are observed to honor Jesus’ betrayal and crucifixion. While rooted in remembrance and reflection, these regular fasts help reinforce spiritual discipline and keep believers connected to their faith. For those looking to deepen their spiritual practice, incorporating elements from the Ascetic Fast, like more intense prayer or periods of silence, can be meaningful. Non-food fasts, such as limiting social media, can also complement the day’s focus on repentance and meditation.
🌟 The 4 Main Fasting Seasons
🌟 The 4 Main Fasting Seasons
Building on the foundation set by weekly fasts, the main fasting seasons offer extended periods for deeper commitment and spiritual renewal. Whether approached with the Standard Plan, Modified Plan, or Ascetic Fast, each season brings unique opportunities for growth and reflection. Each main fasting season invites Orthodox Christians to step into a more profound period of spiritual growth, with different fasting types serving as guides.
Great Lent: The most intense and spiritually focused fasting period, typically following the Standard or Ascetic Fast. It is a time for deep prayer, repentance, and acts of charity.
Nativity Fast: Less rigorous than Great Lent, this fast can be adapted with a Modified Plan. It is a preparation for celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
Apostles’ Fast: Flexibility in fasting rules, making it suitable for both the Standard and Modified Plans. This period honors the spiritual discipline of the Apostles.
Dormition Fast: A short, yet strict fast. Many follow the Standard Plan, focusing on prayer and acts of service.
✨ Other Important Fasts
✨ Other Important Fasts
Alongside the main seasons, there are pivotal one-day fasts that carry significant meaning. These fasts, often observed using the Ascetic Plan, remind believers of sacrifice and highlight key events in Christian history.
Integrating elements of non-food fasts during these days can heighten the focus on spiritual practices and reinforce the lessons of humility and repentance. Certain one-day fasts, such as the Exaltation of the Cross and Beheading of St. John the Baptist, are significant spiritual observances that often align with the Ascetic Plan.
These fasts remind believers of the sacrifice and martyrdom central to the faith, emphasizing humility, repentance, and deeper prayer. Incorporating elements of non-food fasts, such as refraining from certain comforts or distractions, can enrich the spiritual focus of these days.
Final Takeaway on Fasting Types in Christianity
Fasting in Orthodox Christianity is a journey of spiritual growth, not just a change in diet. Each fasting types in christianity—whether it’s the Standard Plan, Modified Plan, or Ascetic Fast—offers unique benefits and challenges. To choose the right path, reflect on your current life situation, health, and spiritual goals. Prioritize prayer, seek guidance from your spiritual advisor, and remember that the purpose of fasting is to deepen your connection with God. Embrace the journey with humility, consistency, and faith, knowing that every step you take brings you closer to spiritual renewal and grace.
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