The Great Post is a special period of the church calendar, about which, thanks to the mission of the Church, the work of the media and simple communication, most people know. We fast fast pleasant, - the Church calls in its hymns. How can fast and abstinence be pleasant to many people? On fasting, they can argue and debate for a long time, but there are very few who dare to make fast themselves. Usually the main excuse is reduced to the belief that there will not be enough strength to withstand and change your way of life, which in itself is far from ascetic. But can it be worth the desire, try and hope for God's help?
An excellent example of a radical change in the mode of life was shown by one of the many saints - the Reverend Dosifei. As his biography tells, it was a noble, effeminate young man, who knew nothing about asceticism and Holy Scripture. The miraculous apparition of the Mother of God prompted him to go to the monastery, but the abbot of the Abba Serid monastery for a long time did not want to accept such an unprepared novice. In the end, he placed Dositheus as disciples to the elder Abba Dorotheus, who is now known for his teachings. The Monk did not immediately put heavy burdens on the young man. He asked him to determine for himself the measure of food, and then slowly reduced it, thereby accustoming Dosifeya to the post. The elder put the disciple to obedience to the hospital, where he selflessly looked after the sick and suffering, creating constant prayer and works of mercy. It was not easy for a young man, but his strong desire to achieve perfection and constant communication with God helped to endure all hardships.
Only five years Dosifei lived in a monastery, but during this time he radically changed the way of his life. When he fell seriously ill and lay on his deathbed, the great holy monastery the Monk Varsonofy on his knees asked for his prayers before God. This surprised the brethren, who considered Dosifei an inexperienced monk. But soon there was a vision for the abbot, in which he saw a young man among the saints.
The life of the young monk Dositheus is an excellent example of the fact that even the most unprepared for spiritual life a person, if desired, is able to achieve salvation and even holiness. This does not mean that all of us, we must go to the monastery, rushing headlong. You can start small - with an ordinary post, which in itself is also an art, which should be studied. After all, the main thing is not to eat lean food, but to eat moderately, and to save money saved for charity.
We often read on the Web a lot of different ways on how to discipline ourselves and become better, but forget about fasting, a time-proven method that is sanctified by the experience of many saints. Everyone can fully know what fasting is, you just want to do this and then any person will be able to understand what is the useful action of a pleasant post.
