A look into the history of Christianity reveals that the initial enthusiasm or the primary magnanimity toward fasting has been gradually lost, especially in the Catholic Church. In the documents of the Second Vatican Council fasting is mentioned only twice, and in the Catechism of the Catholic Church only three times. In the Catholic Church complete abstinence is required only twice a year. On the other hand, in the Orthodox Church fasting is rather common. Both Churches emphasize that fasting is important to spiritual and physical lives of people.
The author of the article aims to present a brief overview on views of the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church in regard to fasting and also on its purpose. The author argues that deeper comprehension of the view of the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church on fasting is a way to a deeper understanding of the meaning of fasting.
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