The Apostles' Fast

The Pentecost, descent of the Holy Spirit, is immediately followed by the Apostle’s fast which lasts from the Monday after Pentecost to July 12th (Abib 5th). The apostles started preaching after the reception of the Holy Spirit.

The book of Acts does not end with the word “Amen,” unlike most other books in the bible. This is significant because the preaching of the apostle did not stop at the end of the book. It is continued everyday through our works. The Apostles’ Fast is a great opportunity for one to be reminded of the works that the Holy Spirit did through the Apostles, such as, St. Peter’s sermon, which converted approximately three thousand people. During St. Peter’s sermon, a man fell asleep, fell off a a building, but through prayer and the Holy Spirit, the man was brought back alive. Also, the many miracles of St. Peter and St. Paul are constantly brought up during this season to motivate one’s spiritual struggle.

The fast always terminates on Abib 5th because that is the day for the commemoration of the martyrdom of St. Peter and St. Paul. Although their lives on earth was ended on that day, their work on earth is perpetuated by Christians. It is our duty to preach as they preached, and if necessary we may use words. Their stories always prove inspiration; their struggles are incredibly inspirational. Their lives are truly a model for every Christian. Their faith was truly firm.

It is of great importance to remember that all the works of the apostles were through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The same is with every decision made in church nowadays: It is always in light of the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Any decision made otherwise is unwise; thus, it is vital to continually ask for the Holy Spirit’s guidance in our life.

We pray that God may bless us throughout this fast, and that the prayers, intercessions, and blessings of all the apostles be with us all. Amen.

Quote: Pure fasting is highly acceptable before God, and it is kept as a treasure in heaven. It is a weapon against the Evil One, and a shield which receives the arrows of the Adversary. Indeed my friend, fasting is not only [abstaining] from bread and water, for there are many ways to undertake a fast. For there is also the one who abstains in order to be a virgin, and who has hunger but does not eat, and has thirst but does not drink; this fast is better. There is also the one who fasts by building a fence around his mouth, so as to avoid speaking hateful words, and there is the one who abstains from anger, who crushes his desire [to get angry] so that he might not be conquered [by it]. For there is the one who abstains from property, so that he might free himself for his work, and there is the one who abstains from any kind of bed, in order to remain wide awake in prayer. [finally], there is the one who brings together all of these practices and makes them one fast.

Quote Author: St. Aphrahat (The Persian Sage), Demonstration III, On Fasting

Season Date: June 13 – July 12

St. Marina Ondos.mp3

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