December 9, 2018 - The question gets asked to Priests in the Orthodox Church every season of Advent and Lent, "Why do we fast? What is it supposed to do? It seems like it just makes me hungry, tired, and irritable." These are great questions! I always return these questions with this question, "What are you doing to accompany your fasting?" I ask this because our Great Physician does not call us just to fast. Our Great Physician has also prescribed an increase of prayer which is fellowship with God along with the reading of Holy Scriptures. We are also to increase our giving of alms to those less fortunate. This homily speaks of how all of these spiritual disciplines work together both for the healing of our souls as well as our greater experience with the Living Lord Jesus Christ.