HOW THE SICK, ELDERLY, PREGNANT WOMEN, NURSING MOTHERS, AND MANUAL LABORERS FAST: Bishop Kirilo explained the rules of abstinence and revealed what protects us from the unclean spirit
On Forgiveness Sunday, before the start of Great Lent, the head of the Serbian Orthodox Church called on believers to forgive, repent, and internally cleanse their hearts, warning that without love and fellowship, no rule makes sense.
TL;DR
- Bishop Kirilo stressed that the body alone is insufficient; fasting, prayer, and Holy Sacraments are vital for spiritual growth and preparing for Easter.
- Personal effort is needed to overcome sin and achieve spiritual growth, even though salvation is provided by Christ.
- Fasting is described as 'bloodless martyrdom' and a means to better spiritual order, requiring refinement of the grace received at baptism.
- Believers should not rely on bodily deeds but on filling the needs of their physical nature without excessive indulgence.
- The unclean spirit is identified as the source of all evil, and only the Holy Church, through its practices, can provide protection.
- Fasting should be moderate and discerning, with allowances for the sick, elderly, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and manual laborers.
- Forgiveness is a key Christian virtue, and showing mercy can lead to God's grace.
- Forgiveness Sunday is a time for reconciliation and preparing the heart for Great Lent and the joy of Easter.