* * * The Church Fathers on Fasting Anthology compiled by Hieromonk Benedict Stancu See, then, that virtuous life is more profitable? And by virtuous life I do not mean fasting, or sackcloth and ashes, but despising wealth – as it ought to be despised – almsgiving, sharing your bread with the poor, abstaining from anger, rejecting vainglory and envy. As Christ teaches us: “Learn from Me,” He says, “for I am meek and humble in heart.” He does not say: “For I have been fasting” although he could have said it as he had fasted for forty days; but he says: “for I am meek and humble in heart.” Again, on sending out His apostles to evangelize, He did not urge them: “Fast!” but “Eat whatever you are given!” I do not mean to downplay the value of fasting – God forbid! – but to praise it. But I suffer when I see you neglect all other virtues, and deem that fasting suffices for salvation; while fasting is but one small part in the range of virtues. The greatest virtue is love, kindness, almsgiving.” (St. John Chrysostom) Format: 11x20 cm; 120 p. ISBN: 978-973-136-169-7 «« back