Fasting as a means of regaining innocence

[J.C. Britton]

I am hoping someone can point me in the right direction. I have seen a few references to fasting as a means of regaining innocence from an Orthodox Christian understanding, but I have not seen any references to source material. Could someone tell me if there are any Church Fathers that discuss regaining innocence (whether through fasting or otherwise). Possibly St. Theophane the Recluse but I can't pinpoint the source of the text. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

In Christ,
Sbdc Seraphim

[J. K. Amra]

That statement is certainly true, but fasting is not the only way of "regaining" innocence, I would say "attaining" is a better word, because the innocence that you're trying to gain is different from the innocence that you once had. One of the most effective ways - yes, but fasting must be combined with other things in order for us to reach humility, otherwise we will not gain innocence, though I cannot provide you with a specific quote from the Desert/Church fathers dealing with keyword "innocence" that is the result of fasting, though humility and innocence can be one and the same.

It was said about an old man that he endured seventy weeks of fasting, eating only once a week. He asked God about certain words in the Holy Scripture, but God did not answer him. Then he said to himself: "Look, I have put in this much effort, but I haven't made any progress. So now I will go to see my brother and ask him." And when he had gone out, closed the door and started off, an angel of the Lord was sent to him, and said: "Seventy weeks of fasting have not brought you near to God. But now that you are humbled enough to go to your brother, I have been sent to you to reveal the meaning of the words." Then the angel explained the meaning which the old man was seeking, and went away. Along with fasting there must be humility! Fasting opens the way; it is a means to an end; it is not the end itself.

Amma Syncletica said: Do not let yourself be seduced by the delights of the riches of the world, as though they contained something useful on account of vain pleasure. Worldly people esteem the culinary art, but you through fasting and thanks to cheap food, go beyond their abundance of food. It is written: "He who is sated loathes honey." (Pov. 27:7) Do not fill yourself with bread and you will not desire wine."

"Prayer, fasting, vigils, and all other Christian practices, however good they are in themselves, do not constitute the goal of our Christian life, although they serve as a necessary means to its attainment. The true goal of our Christian life consists in the acquisition of the Holy Spirit of God. Fasting, vigils, prayers, alms-giving and all good deeds done for the sake of Christ are but means for the acquisition of the Holy Spirit of God. But note, my son, that only a good deed done for the sake of Christ brings us the fruits of the Holy Spirit. All that is done, if it is not for Christ's sake, although it may be good, brings us no reward in the life to come, nor does it give us God's grace in the present life."

"It is not suited to everyone to follow a severe rule of abstinence from everything, or to deprive himself of everything which can serve for the easing of weakness."

- Seraphim of Sarov

http://www.stmaryofegypt.org/devotion/on_fasting.htm#Sarov

[J.C. Britton]

Thank you so much for your response. In more ways than one I have been led to believe that at this point in my life I need to be focused on attaining innocence. Although most of my inclinations have guided me towards renewing a childlike innocence (Matthew 18:3), I am not even sure this is possible or what is called for. I truly appreciate any guidance you or anyone else may have on this matter.

[J. K. Amra]

I am glad to help my friend, in more ways than one I have also been led to believe that at this point in my life I need to be attaining exactly the same, as all of us should be. Keep on the straight and narrow path.