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Shorter Rules

St Basil the Great, tr. Lowther Clarke, 1925

Rule 139: When Fasting is Prolonged We Become Enfeebled for Our Work; Which Then Had We…

We should make use of both fasting and eating in a fashion appropriate to piety; in order that we may fast when God’s commandment must be accomplished by fasting, and when again the commandment of God demands food to strengthen the body, that we may eat, not as gluttons, but as God’s workmen. For we must keep the apostle’s words: Whether ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”