The time of Great Lent has arrived, and we have embarked on a spiritual journey often compared to walking through the desert. The Church poet refers to this Lenten journey as a spiritual spring, highlighting that the essence of fasting is not merely abstinence from certain foods or entertainment, but rather renouncing everything that distances us from God. In this sense, Saint Isaiah the Recluse teaches:
“Spiritual fasting consists in the rejection of worldly cares.”
Great Lent is a time of serving God through prayer and repentance.
According to Saint Basil the Great, “Fasting becomes like wings that lift prayer to God.” Saint John Chrysostom adds that:
“Prayers are performed with greater attentiveness, especially during fasting, because at that time the soul is lighter, unburdened, and not weighed down by the destructive load of earthly pleasures.”
Great Lent is the most blessed time for such prayers of repentance. Saint Athanasius the Great writes:
“See what fasting does: it heals diseases, expels demons, removes wicked thoughts, and purifies the heart.”
However, if we misunderstand fasting, failing to grasp its true purpose, it can become harmful instead of spiritually beneficial. Misconceptions about fasting often lead to irritability, bitterness, intolerance, vanity, and pride, whereas the true purpose of fasting is to eradicate these sinful traits. Saint John Cassian teaches:
“Bodily fasting alone is not sufficient for the perfection of the heart and the purity of the body unless it is accompanied by spiritual fasting.”
The Struggle Against Passions
Great Lent is a special time for battling the passions, which devour a person from within-whether it be pride, envy, or hatred towards others. Passions deprive us of inner peace, tear our hearts apart, and darken our minds. Saint John Climacus reminds us:
“Repentance is the voluntary renunciation of all bodily comforts.”
Yet, in place of bodily comfort, spiritual consolation is given. Freedom from passions brings joy to the soul, which is the true fruit of authentic fasting.
Overcoming Fear of Fasting
Modern man often fears fasting. But let us recall the moment when Apostle Paul saw Christ walking on water and asked, “Lord, command me to walk on the water.” Christ commanded him, and Peter stepped forward-but his heart was filled with doubt, questioning how it was possible. At that moment, he began to sink and drown, until the Lord reached His hand and saved him.
Great Lent is like walking on water. Saint John of Kronstadt once said:
“When I do not partake in Holy Communion, I perish.”
Likewise, during the days of Great Lent, when we feel our strength failing, we are called to participate even more fervently in the Lenten services. This is the wisdom of Great Lent and its profound message:
Without God, we can do nothing.
Kinonia Portal: A Companion Through Lent
Committed to its missionary purpose, the “Kinonia” portal will accompany the faithful throughout Great Lent, thematically following this sacred liturgical period and providing spiritual nourishment from the table of God’s Word – both in written and spoken form.
Visitors to the portal will have the opportunity to:
- Learn about the liturgical structure of Great Lent
- Read Patristic Interpretations of the Scriptural readings proclaimed during services
- Deepen their understanding of fasting and spiritual preparation for the Feast of Feasts – Pascha
To all visitors of “Kinonia”, we extend our heartfelt wishes that you strive in the good fight, complete the journey of fasting while preserving faith, and, having conquered sin within, prepare your whole being for the joy and radiance of Christ’s glorious Resurrection!
With love in Christ,
Catechist Branislav Ilić: Еditor of the “Kinonia” portal and Senior Consultant of the Section for Electronic Mission Missionary Department of the Archdiocese of Belgrade-Karlovci.