Patr. Daniel Explains True Meaning of Fasting
Patr. Daniel calls fasting a spiritual practice rooted in prayer, humility, and love for God.
BUCHAREST — On Sunday, His Beatitude Patr. Daniel emphasized that we fast not "to be seen or praised by people," but to "love God more." Participating in the Holy Liturgy at the historic St. Great Martyr George Chapel of the Patriarchal Residence, he reflected on the Gospel of the Sunday of the Expulsion of Adam from Paradise.
The Patriarch explained that true fasting is "the self-giving or offering of oneself brought to God in gratitude for the gift of life." He stressed that fasting must be united with prayer, humility, and joy, noting that "whoever fasts but does not pray . . . only performs a biological and psychological exercise." Through fasting, believers cultivate virtues, deepen their communion with God, and participate in the forty-day fast of Christ in the wilderness.
Patr. Daniel also highlighted the mistakes of Adam, emphasizing repentance and obedience to Christ, the New Adam, as the path to salvation.
Previously, the UOJ reported that Bp. Vasily welcomed the faithful into Lent.
