Dormition Fast - The first two weeks of August are the Dormition Fast in the Orthodox Church. We eat a basically vegan diet to prepare for the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos (the Virgin Mary) on August 15.

Often, as we approach a fast, I see this quote come up on my online journeys:

Do you fast?


Give me proof of it by your works.
If you see someone who is poor, take pity on that person.
If you see a friend being honored, do not be envious.
Do not let only your mouth fast, but also the eyes, and the feet,
and the hands and all the member of our bodies.
Let the hands fast, by being free of avarice.
Let the feet fast, by ceasing to run after sin.
Let the eyes fast, by disciplining them not to glare at that which is sinful.
Let the ears by not listening to evil talk and gossip.
Let the mouth fast from foul words and unjust criticism.
For what good is it if we abstain from birds and fishes,
but bite and devour our brothers and sisters?"
- St. John Chrysostom

These past couple of days, I've really struggled with this concept. I often debate news topics on a message board I participate in, and the past couple of days have been quite volatile. I think it's the recent political news and the latest Iraq stories along with the heat that is making people cranky. Anyway, I have a tendency to be judgmental, and have a hard time separating my dislike of people's arguments with dislike of the people.

I need to reread this quote by St. John and REALLY work on applying it to my life today, during this fast, and always.

Holy St. John Chrystostom, pray for me a sinner.