Lavra hieromonk: fast is given for us to have spiritual rejoice over awareness of that we are called to repentance

Today the Orthodox people commence the Apostles' fast which was established in the first centuries of Christianity and intended for those who could not bear rigorous Lent. It is reported by hieromonk Innocent (Pidtoptanyi) at the site of Kiev-Pechersk Lavra of the Holy Dormition.

This fast is named after St. Apostle Peter, as it finishes on the day of Saint preeminent Apostles Peter and Paul. “Even though this fast is not strict like the Lent, still one should not think it can be violated, justifying it with certain life circumstances or health problems. It’s necessary to always remember any fast is given for us to have spiritual rejoice over the awareness of that we are called to repentance, to remember once more about our sinful nature,” emphasized the priest.

“By getting closer to God we get closer to one another, we become more sophisticated and at least slightly better, being able to forgive our neighbor even those offences which used to seem merely unforgivable. For that end we are allowed to have fast days, the time to pay particular attention to ourselves, our inner world, and our spiritual state,” said the hieromonk.     

“ If we lay our hopes upon the rejuvenating power of the Church and Its Sacraments, then God will undoubtedly touch our souls, give us strength, gift us with genuine love, so that we could go through the fast time with rejoice and with no less rejoice commemorate the Day of the preeminent Apostles Peter and Paul, who among all Christ disciples were the most industrious and hard-working laborers on God’s vineyard, and thank our Lord for His great blessings which are bestowed upon us bounteously and incessantly! May God save each of us!”, concluded the cleric.   

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