'''Fasting''' in the [[Orthodox Church]] is usually considered abstaining from certain foods during fast specific days or periods. However, fasting means more than simply abstaining from foods. It includes also may include refraining from [[marriage|marital]] relations and limiting entertainment, for instance. Certainly, it is a time when there is increased focus on refraining from evil actions and thoughts.==Types of fasting==Orthodox Christians usually have one three types of fasting in mind when they speak of fasting. ===Ascetic fast===[[Ascetic]] fasting is done by a set [[monastic]] rules. These rules exist not as a Pharisaic "burden too hard to bear" ([[Gospel of Luke|Luke]] 11:46), but as an ideal to strive for. Ascetic fast rules are not an end in themselves, but are means to [[spiritual]] perfection crowned in love, and aided by prayer. The rules mainly consists of total abstinence from certain foods and a substantial dietary reduction. ===Eucharistic or liturgical fast===[[Eucharist]]ic fasting does not refer to the normal abstinence in preparation for receiving the Holy Communion; it means fasting from the holy Eucharist celebration itself. This is done during the week days of Great Lent along with an ascetic fast. ===Total fast===This is a total abstinence from all food and drink for a short duration. This is done for one or even just part of a day, for spiritual concentration on something that is to come. For example, the eve of Christmas, or the time before receiving Holy Communion. It is an ultimate last preparation for a [[marriage|maritalGreat Feast]] relationsor decisive spiritual event.

#The [[Great Lent]] is the period of six weeks preceding [[Holy Week]] in anticipation of the Feast of [[Great Feasts|Feasts]], [[Pascha]], followed by the fasting of [[Holy Week]]. Great Lent is preceded by the ''Meatfast'', that starts on the Monday after the [[Sunday of the Last Judgment]] through [[Cheesefare Sunday]]. #The [[Nativity]] Fast (or Advent; also called St. [[Apostle Philip(of the Twelve)|Philip]]'s Fast, coming immediately after his feast on [[November 14]]), is the period from [[November 15]] to [[December 24]] (forty days) in anticipation of [[Christmas]], the Festival of the Nativity of the Savior.#The [[Apostles]]' Fast is the period from the week following Monday after [[PentecostAll Saints]] (a variable feast) to the [[feast day]] of StsSs. [[Apostle Peter|Peter]] and [[Apostle Paul|Paul]] on [[June 29]].

Fasting also partners with [[prayer]], [[almsgiving]] and [[confession]], readying the whole person like an athlete, body, mind, and soul, for an upcoming [[feast]], similar to the way in which Orthodox Christians would hope to be properly prepared for the [[Second Coming]]. For this reason, during fasting seasons, no [[marriage]]s should take place. (Cf. [[Pastoral Guidelines]].) Another important part of any fasting period is going to [[Confession]].