A Most Blessed 2020 Nativity Fast!

As the blessed period of the Nativity fast begins today, where we abstain from meat, fish, dairy products and eggs until the feast of the Nativity of Christ, let us read below a quote from Saint John Chrysostom on the true meaning and way of fasting.

"Do you fast? Give me proof of it by your works. 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 avarice. 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 the foul words and unjust criticism. For what good is it if we abstain from birds and fishes, but bite and devour our brothers?"