"Great Fast is not a mournful period focused on the suffering of Christ, but a joyful period; the Fast is a period of spiritual cleansing and purification; fasting is spiritual warfare against demons; and, fasting and abstinence is not an imposed punishment, but voluntary asceticism which makes us more like the Divine. "
"Abstinence from food, while an essential part of the fasting season, must be accompanied by abstinence from sinful passions. In this special season we are to cleanse ourselves above all from sin. When our purpose for fasting 'is turned towards amendment of life,' then our physical abstinence will be beneficial, and will aid us in spiritual cleansing. "
"This joy of this period comes from our hope in and knowledge of the Resurrection, for we know that we may enter into it if we are prepared. Through the fast we are encouraged and enabled to crucify these sins and passions on Christ’s Cross, combatting the demons that attack our senses. Through this asceticism, we are conformed to the Divine Image, striving to become one with Christ and return from our sinful exile and enter into His most glorious and triumphant Resurrection. "
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