👉🏽👉🏽👉🏽The #Great #Lent #Fast, or #Abiy #Tsom: A Sacred Journey of Repentance and Victory
Introduction
The Great Lent Fast, or "Abiy Tsom," is the longest and most significant fast in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Derived from the Ge'ez verb "Abeye," meaning "to rise," this fast is set apart in name and practice. It is a time of spiritual ascent, imitating Christ's own fasting and triumph over temptation.
Why Is It Called the Great Fast?
There are three primary reasons why this fast is deemed "Great":
1. Jesus Christ Himself fasted for forty days and nights (Matthew 4:2-3), making it a fast sanctified by His divine example.
2. The length of the fast surpasses all others, lasting for 55 days.
3. Christ’s victory over Satan and the three cardinal sins—pride, greed, and materialism—took place during this period (Matthew 4:3-11).
The Many Names of the Great Fast
This fast is known by several names, each revealing a profound aspect of its significance:
The Great Fast – Emphasizing its spiritual and numerical superiority.
The Fast of Jesus – Since Christ Himself undertook this fast (Matthew 4:1).
Hudade Fast – Derived from "Hudade," meaning a vast field, signifying the vastness of its spiritual benefits.
Forty (40) Fast – Referring to Christ’s forty-day fast in the wilderness (Matthew 4:2).
Fast of Reparation – Representing Christ’s redemption of humanity from sin.
Fast of Victory – Celebrating Christ’s triumph over Satan.
Fasting of Doctrine – Because Christ fasted to teach us by example.
The Fast of Transition – Symbolizing a passage into spiritual renewal.
The Triumph Over Temptation
This sacred period marks the defeat of three fundamental temptations:
1. Pride – The temptation to exalt oneself above God.
2. Worship of False Gods – The temptation to bow to worldly power and idols.
3. Materialism – The temptation to prioritize earthly needs over spiritual sustenance.
The Structure of the Great Fast
The Great Fast is divided into three main sections:
1. The Fast of Heraclius (The First Sunday of Lent)
2. The Forty-Day Fast (Holy Monday to Good Friday)
3. The Passion Week (Hosanna to Good Friday)
The eight weeks of the fast, named by St. Yared, reflect its spiritual progression:
1. The Week of the Holy Descent (Ze'worede) – Beginning the fast with humility.
2. The Week of Holiness (Kidsit)– Focusing on purity and dedication.
3. The Week of the Synagogue (Mekurab) – Meditating on the teachings of Christ.
4. The Week of the Feast (Më'tsagu)– Rejoicing in spiritual nourishment.
5. The Week of the Mount of Olives (Debre Zeit) – Commemorating faith and asceticism.
6. The Week of the Faithful Servant (Gëbre Hër) – Remembering acts of righteousness.
7. The Week of Nicodemus – Reflecting on spiritual rebirth.
8. The Week of Hosanna – Preparing for Christ’s triumphant entry and Passion.
The Fast of Heraclius: A Historical Remembrance
The first Sunday of Lent is known as the Fast of Heraclius in remembrance of a miraculous event. In 641 AD, the Persian king Khosrow II invaded Jerusalem, plundering Christian relics, including the True Cross. After fourteen years, Emperor Heraclius led a victorious campaign, restoring the Cross and freeing captives. In gratitude, the Church instituted this fast, symbolizing the triumph of faith over oppression.
The Spiritual Significance of Fasting
Christ taught that fasting is essential for spiritual strength and victory over sin. The Great Fast is a time for:
Disciplining the body and soul – Strengthening the spirit against temptation.
Deep prayer and repentance – Seeking God's mercy and transformation.
Growing in righteousness – Preparing our hearts for the Resurrection.
Continues👇🏽