“Fasting is the coercion of nature and the cutting out of everything that delights the palate, the prevention of lust, the uprooting of bad thoughts, deliverance from dreams, purity of prayer, the light of the soul, the guarding of the mind, deliverance from blindness, the door of compunction, humble sighing, glad contrition, a lull in chatter, a means to silence, a guard of obedience, lightening of sleep, health of body, agent of dispassion, remission of sins, the gate of Paradise and its delight.”
St John Climacus, “The Ladder of Divine Ascent”
In our Syriac tradition, fasting and prayer are inseparable. In the Maronite Church, fasting is practised throughout the year as a reminder of our humanity and as a preparation for the great feasts of the Church. Saint Maroun, Saint Nehmetallah, and Saint Charbel all embraced fasting as a powerful means of spiritual discipline and mortification.
Why Fast
“The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41
Saint John Chrysostom wrote that “fasting is medicine.” When undertaken with a spirit of prayer, fasting and abstinence become remedies for our spiritual struggles. They strengthen our will, help us recognise our weaknesses, control our desires, and draw us closer to holiness.
To combat sins of the flesh, the Church encourages fasting from meat and dairy products. By giving up certain foods and practising self-control, we strengthen our ability to resist temptation, pursue virtue, and direct our thoughts and desires towards God.
Jesus fasted to teach us how to overcome the temptations of the devil. Saint Ephrem the Syrian states:
“Though He could have overcome by any means, He revealed for us the strength hidden in fasting, Overcomer of All. For by means of it a man can overcome that one who with fruit overcame Adam.”
Through fasting, we develop the discipline needed to overcome evil, pursue good, and bring our thoughts, emotions, and desires closer to God.
The Maronite Church Fasting and Abstinence Guidelines
“It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that makes your brother or sister stumble.” Romans 14:21
“Fasting” refers to limiting the intake of food and drink, either completely or partially. As Maronites, fasting is observed from midnight until noon, with water permitted.
“Abstinence” refers to avoiding specific foods and drinks. During periods of abstinence, Maronites refrain from consuming meat, dairy products, and eggs.
Fasting and Abstinence During the Season of Great Lent
- Fasting from midnight until midday on weekdays. No food or drink is consumed, except water.
- Abstaining from meat and dairy products on Fridays during Lent.
- Abstaining from meat during the first and last weeks of Lent, including Holy Week.
- No fasting or abstinence is observed on Saturdays and Sundays, except Easter Saturday (Saturday of the Light), when fasting and abstinence are observed.
- No fasting or abstinence is required on the following feast days if they occur during Lent: Saint John Maroun (March 2), The Forty Martyrs (March 9), Saint Joseph (March 19), Saint Rafqa (March 23), and The Annunciation (March 25).
Fasting and Abstinence Every Friday of the Year
Abstinence is observed every Friday of the year, except:
- The Fridays between Resurrection Sunday and Pentecost Sunday.
- The Fridays between Christmas Day and the Feast of the Epiphany.
- When a feast day falls on a Friday.
Fasting and Abstinence in the Maronite Tradition Are Highly Encouraged for the Following Feasts
- 15–23 December — Christmas abstinence.
- 6–14 August — Feast of the Assumption abstinence.
- 20–28 June — Feast of Saints Peter and Paul abstinence.
Receiving the Body and Blood of Our Lord in the Eucharist is always permitted. Food and water are also permitted when required for medication, illness, or old age.
Those who are unable to fast or abstain may choose another form of penance, especially pregnant or nursing women and those with health needs.
The law of abstinence binds Catholics from the age of seven, while the law of fasting applies to those between 14 and 60 years of age. Those beyond these ages are encouraged to observe fasting and abstinence according to their ability and circumstances.