👉🏾👉🏾👉🏾 The Fast of #Gehad: A Sacred and Transformative Practice
Beloved brethren who walk in the light of the Orthodox teachings, may the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Let us delve into the profound depths of the Fast of Gehad, a spiritual treasure of our Holy Church that illuminates the path toward divine union and sanctification.
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Fasting: A Commandment of the Holy Church
Fasting is not merely a ritual; it is one of the seven decrees ordained by the Holy Church. It serves as the nourishment of the soul, elevating us toward God, diminishing the dominance of the flesh, and opening the gates of grace. The Fast of Gehad holds a unique place among these practices, intricately tied to the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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The Meaning of "Gehad"
The term Gehad is a rich tapestry of meaning, signifying "change," "substitution," or "revelation", "revealed". We fast the eve of the nativity and the eve of Epiphany in rememberance of his revelation to us which takes two forms:
1. Revelation through Nativity (Incarnation): The moment when the eternal God, unbounded and omnipotent, took on human form—a short stature, a narrow chest, and a humble presence—to dwell among us in the flesh.
2. Revelation through Baptism: At the Jordan River, Jesus, who had lived among humanity for 30 years without recognition as the Messiah, was revealed when the heavens opened, the Holy Spirit descended as a dove, and the voice of the Father declared, "This is my beloved Son; listen to Him."
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The Dual Nature of Enlightenment
The Fast of Gehad aligns with two sacred moments in the life of Christ:
1. His Birth: The incarnation, where the divine Word became flesh.
2. His Baptism: The manifestation of His divine identity and mission, marking the beginning of His public ministry.
These events are not merely historical but deeply theological, revealing the mystery of God becoming man and the salvation that flows through His revealed presence.
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Observance of the Gehad Fast
The Gehad fast is intricately linked to the timing of the feast days of Christ's birth and baptism. Here is the structure and significance of this holy observance:
1. When the Feast Falls on Wednesday or Friday:
These are traditional fasting days in the Church. On such occasions, the faithful fast on the preceding Tuesday and Thursday to maintain the sanctity of these feast days while honoring the fasting tradition.
During these days, believers partake in celebratory meals reflective of the Pentecost feast, breaking the fast with joy in the morning.
2. When the Feast Falls on Sunday:
Saturday evening is marked by a complete abstinence from food, preparing the soul for the Sunday celebration.
3. When the Feast Falls on Monday:
Saturday and Sunday both become days of preparation and abstinence, though the fasting does not follow the usual grain-and-water regimen of other fasting days.
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The Spiritual Essence of Fasting
The Fetha Negest or the law of the Kings articulates the purpose of fasting as follows:
Atonement for Wrongdoing: Fasting allows a person to confront and repent for their sins, aligning themselves with God's grace.
Obedience to Divine Law: It is an act of love and submission to the Creator who established this holy ordinance.
Subduing the Flesh: By denying physical hunger, the soul ascends, free to commune with God.
Enhancing the Soul's Value: Through fasting, one grows in humility and is strengthened to follow the prophets' call.
Fasting, therefore, is not a mere ritual but a transformative act that connects the believer with God, disciplines the soul, and paves the way for enlightenment.
Continued 👇🏾