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types of fasts
{{spirituality}}
'''Fasting''' in the [[Orthodox Church]] is usually considered abstaining from certain foods during fast days or periods. However, fasting means more than simply abstaining from foods. It includes refraining from evil actions and thoughts, and even [[marriage|marital]] relations.
==Types of fasting==
Orthodox Christians usually have one three types of fasting in mind when they speak of fasting.
===Ascetic fast===
[[Ascetic]] fasting is done by a set [[monastic]] rules. These rules exist not as a Pharisaic "burden too hard to bear" ([[Gospel of Luke|Luke]] 11:46), but as an ideal to strive for. Ascetic fast rules are not an end in themselves, but are means to [[spiritual]] perfection crowned in love, and aided by prayer. The rules mainly consists of total abstinence from certain foods and a substantial dietary reduction.
===Eucharistic or liturgical fast===
[[Eucharist]]ic fasting does not refer to the normal abstinence in preparation for receiving the Holy Communion; it means fasting from the holy Eucharist celebration itself. This is done during the week days of Great Lent along with an ascetic fast.
===Total fast===
This is a total abstinence from all food and drink for a short duration. This is done for one or even just part of a day, for spiritual concentration on something that is to come. For example, the eve of Christmas, or the time before receiving Holy Communion. It is an ultimate last preparation for a [[Great Feast]] or decisive spiritual event.
==Fasting times==