The Essence and Importance of Fasting

The Essence and Importance of Fasting in the Coptic Orthodox Church ... Fasting in Hebrew is 'Sum', meaning to cover the mouth; in Greek its 'nesteuo', meaning abstain.  Fasting was not found in the Pentateuch, but it occurred in the Historical Books of; 2nd Samuel 12:16, 1st King 21:9-12, Ezra 8:21.  In the Webster Dictionary, fasting means, to go without food or some kinds of food, esp. as a religious exercise.

Table of Contents:

• Definitions and Meaning
• Why is Fasting Important?
• Is Fasting Biblical?
• Type of Food during Fasting Periods
• Fasting by Pope Kyrillos VI
• Short History Account on the Different Fasts
• First: The Apostles’ Fast (Spiritual Contemplations)
• Second: Great Lent
• Third: Wednesdays & Fridays
• Fourth: Fast of Nineveh
• Fifth: Nativity Fast
• Sixth: St. Mary’s Fast