Saint John Chrysostom
on the Meaning and Purpose of Fasting

  • Do you fast? Give me proof of it by your worchrysostomks.
  • If you see a poor man, take pity on him.
  • If you see a friend being honored, do not envy him.
  • Do not let only your mouth fast, but also the eye and the ear and the feet and the hands and all the members of our bodies.
  • Let the hands fast, by being free of greed.
  • Let the feet fast, by ceasing to run after sin.
  • Let the eyes fast, by disciplining them not to glare at that which is sinful.
  • Let the ear fast, by not listening to evil talk and gossip.
  • Let the mouth fast from foul words and unjust criticism.
  • For what good is it if we abstain from birds and fish, but bite and devour our brothers?
  • May HE who came to the world to save sinners strengthen us to complete the fast with
    humility, have mercy on us and save us. AMEN.