From Hunger to Healing — The Purpose of Fasting

Fasting in the Orthodox Church is often misunderstood as restriction or rule-keeping, but its true purpose is far more gentle and healing. Fasting is meant to awaken a holy hunger — not just for food, but for God.In this episode, Kyra and Anna explore the spiritual meaning of fasting through Scripture and the wisdom of the Church Fathers. They discuss how fasting disciplines the passions, softens the heart, and prepares us to receive grace. Rather than a practice of deprivation, fasting becomes a pathway toward repentance, freedom, and deeper communion with Christ.Whether you are new to fasting or returning to it with fresh intention, this conversation invites you to approach fasting not with fear or perfectionism, but with humility, prayer, and hope.✨ “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” — Matthew 5:6For more information on the Orthodox Faith, please visit:https://www.orthodoxintro.org/ To find an Orthodox Church near you, please visit: https://www.assemblyofbishops.org/directories/parishes/Orthodox Christian Fasting Resources:https://www.asceticlifeofmotherhood.com/blog/fastingrecipeshttps://store.ancientfaith.com/fasting-as-a-family/https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/blog/2018/09/15/eat-well-orthodox-lent/Fasting in the Orthodox Church is often misunderstood as restriction or rule-keeping, but its true purpose is far more gentle and healing. Fasting is meant to awaken a holy hunger — not just for food, but for God.In this episode, Kyra and Anna explore the spiritual meaning of fasting through Scripture and the wisdom of the Church Fathers. They discuss how fasting disciplines the passions, softens the heart, and prepares us to receive grace. Rather than a practice of deprivation, fasting becomes a pathway toward repentance, freedom, and deeper communion with Christ.Whether you are new to fasting or returning to it with fresh intention, this conversation invites you to approach fasting not with fear or perfectionism, but with humility, prayer, and hope.✨ “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” — Matthew 5:6For more information on the Orthodox Faith, please visit:https://www.orthodoxintro.org/ To find an Orthodox Church near you, please visit: https://www.assemblyofbishops.org/directories/parishes/Orthodox Christian Fasting Resources:https://www.asceticlifeofmotherhood.com/blog/fastingrecipeshttps://store.ancientfaith.com/fasting-as-a-family/https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/blog/2018/09/15/eat-well-orthodox-lent/https://lilliemuse.gumroad.com/https://www.theathosdiet.com/Follow us on social media!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veiledingracepodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veiledingracepodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@veiledingracepodcast Gab: https://gab.com/veiledingrace Kyra: https://www.youtube.com/@simplycherishedlife Anna: https://www.youtube.com/@annazoemusic