I never thought I’d struggle without my morning coffee or that cozy cocktail after work. But when I became Orthodox Christian, it hit me: these little treats were more than simple pleasures—they were quietly running my life. If have a hard time understanding how fasting in Orthodox Christianity can help you break free from the little (and not-so-little) passions we all wrestle with, you’re in the right place!
In this post, we will talk about one particular aspect of fasting: to overcome our “passions” (AKA "addictions"). We’ll break down why these passions aren’t necessarily sins, but how they can turn into idols. And we will explore how to overcome these passions we are so addicted to. So, whether you’re preparing for Great Lent days or simply looking into ways to improve the sacred discipline of fasting, you’ll find this post to be a great resource.
1. Passions AKA "Addictions"
From Passions to Idols
Passions are often misunderstood. They’re not automatically “bad” or sinful behaviors; they’re the desires of the flesh or habits we can’t live without. These could be anything from a coffee addiction to overusing our cell phones. Over time, these daily “must-haves” can replace God in our hearts. Remember how the Old Testament warns against idols (Exodus 20:3)? Or how the New Testament echoes, “Little children, keep yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21)? When something takes priority over God, it becomes an idol.
What are considered as passions?
What are considered as passions?
- Bigger struggles: Substance abuse, gambling, or even obsessive physical activity...
- Everyday cravings: Coffee, sweet treats, checking your phone first things in the morning, etc.
- All-consuming interests: Excessive TV watching, nonstop social media, constant pursuit of weight loss goals, etc.
Why Are Passions Harmful
You might ask, “How can a single cup of coffee be harmful?” The issue isn’t the caffeine, soy milk, or sugar; it’s the place it occupies in your life. If you spend more time sipping your latte than praying, you might be unintentionally elevating coffee above your devotion to God.
What are the effects of our passions?
What are the effects of our passions?
- Imbalance: The early Church Fathers taught us to be vigilant about anything that consumes more of our time and energy than the Kingdom of God.
- Dependence: Relying on that habit for happiness weakens your relationship with Christ.
- Distraction: The Holy Spirit can’t guide you if you’re more absorbed in worldly pleasures than in prayer.
Understanding what passions are and why they’re harmful sets the stage for seeing how fasting can serve as a powerful “rehab program.” Let’s dig deeper into this idea.
2. Fasting: the Christian "Rehab"
Fasting as a Spiritual Detox
When many of us hear “detox,” we might think of a rehab center where people work to break free from drug or alcohol addictions. In Orthodox Christianity, we approach fasting in a similar way. Instead of going to a clinic, we enter a sacred detox program within the Church to battle our own “substance”: the passions. These passions have power over us, and fasting is how we begin to regain control and restore our focus on God.
Key Components:
We are the Addicts
Whether it’s social media, a certain food, or even a routine we can’t live without, anything that takes center stage in our life can be viewed as an addiction. By following an ascetic fasting regimen, we start removing those unhealthy attachments and making room for Christ.
The Church is Your Detox Center
Think of the Orthodox Church as the place where this spiritual therapy happens. During the week days of Great Lent (from Clean Monday forward) or the Nativity Fast, we commit ourselves to a season of self-examination and restraint. We lean on the Church’s teachings, services, and community support to help break the hold our passions have over us.
Your Spiritual Father as Therapist
Just like a counselor in a rehab program, your spiritual father (or confessor) listens to your struggles, offers advice, and guides you through a personalized fasting discipline. He helps you pinpoint triggers and gives you strategies to handle them. This support is rooted in the wisdom of the church fathers and centuries-old tradition, rather than modern self-help techniques.
Ultimately, by treating fasting as a spiritual detox, we can better visualize the end game and better understand how it frees us from harmful attachments. Over time, fasting helps reshape our desires, draws us closer to God’s loving presence, and allows us to re-center our life around Him.
How is Fasting Different From Rehab?
Fasting in Orthodox Christianity isn’t really a one time "detox." It isn't about slowing down on caffeine or taking a break from meat or dairy products... Sure, you limit your animal products intake during fasting seasons, but the real purpose of fasting is to free your heart from the grip of harmful and negative passions. Permanently! So, instead of relying on willpower alone, we turn to God every step of the way.
When God is at the center of your fast, you’re not just trying to change your behavior. You are asking the Holy Spirit to transform your heart. Anyone who has ever tried to quit a bad habit knows it can feel impossible on your own. That’s where prayer and faith come in. Through heartfelt, daily conversation with God, the cravings and anxieties that used to control you start to lose their power. And over time, the peace of Christ replaces that old restlessness.
Many people (myself included) have battled deep-seated passions for years without success—until we gave up trying to do it alone and asked for God’s help. When we let the Lord take charge, amazing things can happen. Sometimes miracles! You might still feel tempted at times of course, but with divine help, those temptations become far easier to resist. Instead of white-knuckling through each day, you’ll find that the Holy Spirit offers a new kind of strength—a power that helps you swap out harmful habits for better ones.
3. Therapies During Your "Rehab"
Fasting in Orthodox Christianity doesn’t leave you to fight your passions alone. The Church gives you a variety of tools and programs. Like a spiritual rehab center. These are designed to support and guide you through the toughest moments. Here are some common yet effective ways to strengthen your resolve and deepen your connection to God during your fasting journey.
Daily Prayer at Home
Daily Prayer at Home
- Create a Sacred Space: A prayer corner with incense, icons or a prayer rope helps you stay centered. Think of it as your personal “therapy room,” where you meet with God daily.
- Set a Routine: Pick a time for morning and evening prayers. Even five minutes of focused devotion can do wonders for your spiritual life.
Confession
Confession
- Perfect Timing: Use strict fasting days to reflect on where you’ve fallen short. Confession during these periods helps you identify and uproot the passions that hold you captive.
- Open Up Regularly: Schedule time with your spiritual father. Talking through your struggles is like a counseling session that brings healing and renewed commitment.
Attending Church Services
Attending Church Services
- Holy Communion: Taking Communion after divine liturgy is central to Orthodox Christian life. It’s a spiritual lifeline that gives you the grace and strength to resist temptation.
- Embrace the Richness: The Orthodox Church offers many special services during major feast days. Attending these services ties you closer to Christ’s journey.
Scripture and Church Fathers
Reading Scripture and Church Fathers
- Learn from the Saints: Study the early Christians, the Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, and the writings of the Church Fathers. Their experiences and wisdom help you see that you’re part of a long tradition of believers who turned to God for victory over passions.
- Dive into the Bible: Discover passages in the Old Testament and New Testament that speak about fasting, repentance, and dependence on God. They can inspire new habits and attitudes.
Other Spiritual Tools and Support
Other Spiritual Tools and Support
- Replace Passions with Holy Pursuits: When you sense a craving—like reaching for social media or indulging in unhealthy comforts—turn instead to a spiritual book, a psalm, or a short prayer. Remember, fast-free periods will eventually come, but for now, focus on building a stronger bond with God.
- Orthodox Chants and Podcasts: Fill your downtime with hymns or engaging talks on the Resurrection of Christ. This keeps your mind on sacred things rather than worldly distractions.
- Stay Connected: Talk to fellow Orthodox Christians, join small groups, or share an evening meal after services. Fellowship gives you motivation, accountability, and comfort.
Through these options, you’ll find the support you need to confront your passions head-on. And little by little, with God’s help and the guidance of the Church, you’ll replace harmful habits with life-giving ones.
4. Therapies After Your "Rehab"
Just like most addicts don’t stay in rehab forever, we Orthodox Christians don’t spend our entire year in long fasts. After a great feast, or once the fast-free period begins, we return to our usual routine. The challenge though is that real life brings stress, conflict, and temptations. Those very things that can spark old passions.
So, we need ongoing “therapy sessions” to stay healthy:
Weekly Fasts
Traditional rules of fasting include setting aside Wednesday evening and Friday as fast days. These shorter fasts are like quick check-ins, ensuring we continue the practice of fasting and don’t drift back into our old habits.
Regular Gatherings
Attending the Divine Liturgy on Sunday and taking part in other church events can feel like a support-group meeting. You connect with other parishioners, share struggles, and realign your focus.
Confession and Mentorship
Meeting with your spiritual father is much like an addict meeting a counselor after rehab. It’s a safe space to pass judgment on your own weaknesses and make a plan to keep moving forward.
In the world of rehab, it’s not enough to do an intensive program and call it a day. You need follow-up sessions, group meetings, and possibly a mentor to avoid slipping back into old ways. The same is true of Orthodox fasting. Our long fasting seasons (like the Nativity of Christ or a period of fasting before a major feast day) serve as the solid foundation for healing. But our weekly fasts and ongoing spiritual practice keep us strong through life’s ups and downs.
5. Practical Advice
Fasting in Orthodox Christianity can feel like you’re taking on a big challenge—like a rehab program for your soul. So, setting small realistic goals and making small, steady changes will help you stay motivated and avoid burnout.
Here’s are some practical advice to set yourself up for success on your fasting journey:
Focus on One Passion at a Time
Focus on One Passion at a Time
- Break it down. If you’re used to three cups of coffee a day, cut back to two. Once you’re comfortable, reduce to one. Give your body and mind time to adjust.
- Don’t try to conquer everything at once. Pick one major habit—like drinking coffee or scrolling social media—and work on it first.
Accept Your Limitations
Accept Your Limitations
- Understand that falling down is normal. Get back up, pray for strength, and keep going. One bad day doesn’t define you.
- It’s okay to realize you can’t quit cold turkey. Start slow and increase your fasting commitments gradually.
Celebrate Small Wins
Celebrate Small Wins
- Acknowledge each victory, even if it seems small. They add up over time and help you see how far you’ve come.
- Tracking your progress gives you a reason to celebrate each step forward. Maybe you replaced one coffee break with a short prayer or a walk outside—great job!
Seek Support and Accountability
Seek Support and Accountability
- Share your fasting plan with a trusted friend or your spiritual father. Knowing someone is rooting for you helps you stay on track.
- Don’t do this alone. Talk to your spouse, family, or friends about your goals. Ask them not to tempt you—like sipping a cocktail if you’re trying to cut back on drinking.
Replace Bad Habits with Good Ones
Replace Bad Habits with Good Ones
- Look for healthy alternatives that bring peace rather than stress. This way, you’re not just removing something from your life; you’re adding something meaningful.
- Instead of your usual coffee break, try listening to Orthodox chants, reading a spiritual book, or taking a stroll to admire God’s creation.
Stay Positive and Confident
Stay Positive and Confident
- If you stumble, don’t beat yourself up. Use it as a reminder of your need for God’s grace and start fresh tomorrow.
- Remember that true change takes time. Lean on God in prayer, and trust that the Holy Spirit will help you grow day by day.
By taking a practical, step-by-step approach, you’ll find that overcoming passions is achievable—even if it’s challenging. Trust in God’s help, and keep your goals reasonable and clear. Over time, you’ll see yourself growing stronger in faith and more free from the habits that once held you back.
Final Takeaway
Fasting in Orthodox Christianity is not just about giving up food. It’s about giving your heart back to God.
Each day, you take small steps to break the passions that hold you down. You rely on prayer, on the wisdom of the Church, and on the help of your spiritual father. When you fall, you get back up and keep going. Over time, you will see real change. You will feel more peace and less pull from the habits that once controlled you.
Remember, this is a journey, not a race. Celebrate every victory, stay connected to your community, and never forget that God’s grace can accomplish miracles in your life.
May the Holy Spirit guide and protect you, and may you find the spiritual benefit and grace that come from embracing this sacred discipline each day.
Watch This Video
Here is a great YouTube video on this topic:
Frequently Asked Questions
The only sin considered unforgivable in Orthodoxy is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:31-32). This is not a one-time offense but a persistent rejection of God’s mercy and refusal to repent. Even Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Christ, could have sought forgiveness if he had repented instead of falling into despair. The Church encourages confession, prayer, and sincere repentance as the path to God’s grace.
Yes! God’s mercy is limitless. Saint Paul reminds us in Romans 7:19 that struggling with sin is part of the human condition. Orthodox teaching emphasizes that repentance is not about being perfect but about continually turning back to God. Regular confession, prayer, and fasting—especially during Holy Saturday, Palm Sunday, and the Feast of the Annunciation—help strengthen our prayer life and commitment to holiness.
Comments
No Comments