In this powerful episode of the Double Edged Sword podcast, Father Genard shares essential Christian Lent fasting tips rooted in Scripture and Assyrian Church of the East canons, defining fasting as true abstinence (soma in Aramaic) from food and drink—exemplified by Jesus' 40-day fast, Adam's prohibition from the tree of knowledge, and Moses on Mount Sinai. He outlines three practical methods for offering your fast during Lent's required weeks (first, middle, and last): full-day abstinence until Vespers (sundown) with constant prayer and Scripture; abstinence until lunchtime, then soma-compliant meals (no dairy, poultry, or seafood, though honey is allowed); or full-day soma food without strict abstinence for those unable. Father Genard stresses that Lent fasting transcends food scrutiny—focus instead on examining sins like hatred, pride, gossip, immorality, and lust, while avoiding temptation triggers (especially porn and inappropriate social media) as desires intensify (James 1:14). Supported by church tradition (2 Thessalonians 2:15) and extreme calls to holiness (Matthew 18:8-9), he urges blocking evil influences, distancing from sinful relationships, countering Satan's lies with Scripture (Hebrews 12:2, Ezekiel 33:11), and combining faith with good works like prayer and fasting for spiritual victory and eternal life. Bible Verses Mentioned (Orthodox Study Bible / Common Orthodox Translation Phrasing): Genesis 2:17 — but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.Matthew 4:1-2 — Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry.2 Thessalonians 2:15 — Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.James 1:14 — But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.Matthew 18:8-9 — If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire.Hebrews 12:2 — looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.Ezekiel 33:11 — Say to them: ‘As I live,’ says the Lord GOD, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’Psalm 37:1-2 — Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.2 Timothy 3:16-17 — All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.1 Timothy 3:15 — but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.Romans 6:21 — What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death.2 Peter 3:10 — But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.Titus 2 (referenced generally for speaking things that are proper/sound doctrine and avoiding shameful things so no one despises you).
