Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine shared a reflection on the spiritual significance of fasting in a recent message posted on social media, emphasizing its ancient origins and its role in the Christian life.
In his message, the Metropolitan noted that fasting is one of the oldest spiritual practices known to humanity. Quoting Basil the Great, he reminded believers that fasting predates all written laws and is as old as humanity itself. He explained that the first commandment given to Adam in Paradise—“From the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat”—was essentially the first call to restraint.
According to Metropolitan Epifaniy, this commandment was not meant to restrict humanity but to allow Adam and Eve to freely demonstrate their love and trust in God. By observing this commandment of restraint, humanity could express the freedom granted by the Creator and grow spiritually through communion with Him.
He explained that the fall occurred when Adam and Eve chose another path. Instead of seeking spiritual perfection through obedience and effort, they were tempted to achieve it through disobedience, attempting to seize what should have been received as a divine gift. This path, which appeared easier, ultimately led humanity away from the source of all good—God Himself.
The Metropolitan also highlighted the teaching of St. Basil the Great that life in Paradise itself was a form of fasting. Before the temptation of the devil, the first humans lived in harmony with God, unaware of sin and the painful consequences of separation from their Creator. For this reason, fasting remains essential for restoring communion with God and overcoming sin.
Metropolitan Epifaniy further pointed to examples of fasting throughout Sacred Scripture. He recalled that Moses fasted before ascending Mount Sinai to receive the Law from God, and that Jesus Christ Himself fasted for forty days before beginning His public ministry, leaving clear guidance for believers on the practice of fasting.
Quoting St. Basil again, the Metropolitan emphasized the many spiritual benefits of fasting, noting that it strengthens the faithful, illuminates spiritual leaders, and protects the soul. He also observed that fasting is beneficial not only spiritually but practically, contributing to health, harmony in relationships, and even material well-being.
The Metropolitan concluded by noting that Scripture often calls believers to fasting especially during times of crisis and war. Fasting, he said, is not merely about restrictions but about liberation from what is unnecessary or excessive, allowing people to focus on what truly matters and become stronger both spiritually and morally.
He ended his message with a prayer that God would help believers walk faithfully not only through the current season of Great Lent but throughout their entire lives, striving toward the spiritual perfection to which humanity has been called.
