With fasting, we cleanse the field of our soul so that the sown seeds of virtue, goodness, love, mercy, and philanthropy can sprout from it
Serbian Patriarch Porfirije led the Holy Liturgy at the Church of Saint Sava in Vračar today, on Cheesefare Sunday. He reminded that Great Lent begins tomorrow, a Great Fast which is a preparation for the feast of the Resurrection of the Lord.
TL;DR
- Patriarch Porfirije led a liturgy on Cheesefare Sunday, marking the start of Great Lent as preparation for Easter.
- The 'Our Father' prayer is presented as a model for communication with God and a reminder of community.
- Fasting requires prayer, repentance, and forgiveness to be effective.
- Forgiving others is crucial for receiving God's forgiveness and avoiding bitterness.
- External fasting rules are important as aids but not the ultimate goal; the aim is union with God and love for others.
- Fasting should be a private spiritual discipline, not for show.
- The purpose of fasting is to combat evil thoughts and emotions, aligning oneself with God's will.
- External fasting prepares individuals to overcome negativity and cultivate virtues like goodness, love, mercy, and philanthropy.
- A list of clergy who concelebrated with the Patriarch is provided.