Fasting Guidelines

Below in the white document, one can find the fasting minimums according to the regulations sent out by our Bishop Elias Zaidan. Those are the minimums the Church asks of Maronites who are physically able. The purpose of fasting is the elimination of bodily temptation and distraction to focus on prayer, aiding the needy, the rejection of vice, and the growing of virtue. Fasting is medicinal and, therefore, differs in degree for each person. It is advisable to ask a spiritual director or priest to assist in helping you decide upon fasting and penances. The objective is not depriving ourselves of food, but growing in good.

Traditionally, Maronites fast Monday through Friday of Great Lent. Fasting is not eating anything from midnight to noon. After noon, one breaks their fast while abstaining from all animal products (eg meat, fish, chicken, eggs, cheese, milk). The physical act of fasting must be accompanied by an increase in charity towards the poor (in addition to a tithe) and prayer. This traditional fast represents an ideal, and is not canonically required. Nonetheless, we should always strive above the baseline.