Episode 150: Unable to fast?

Join us for this heartfelt episode of the Double Edged Sword podcast, where Father Genard gently addresses a common question during the sacred season of Great Lent: What if illness or medical reasons prevent me from fasting in the usual way?Drawing deeply from the wisdom of Saint John Chrysostom, this episode offers compassionate encouragement rooted in Scripture and the Church Fathers. Our Lord is meek, loving, and philanthropic—He never demands beyond our strength, as echoed in Matthew 11:28–30 and Hebrews 4:15. While genuine physical fasting remains a beautiful imitation of Christ's own forty days in the wilderness, it is never merely about an empty stomach.Saint John Chrysostom reminds us that true fasting transforms the whole person: abstaining not only from certain foods when able, but from sin, anger, envy, gossip, and worldly distractions. For those who cannot abstain from dairy, meat, or other foods due to health, the fast continues powerfully through richer almsgiving, fervent prayer, deeper reading of Holy Scripture, reconciliation with enemies, and letting go of resentment, bitterness, and hatred.This isn't a lowering of standards—it's an invitation to offer our entire selves to God, distancing from secular things and drawing nearer to Him in spirit. Even in weakness, we can fast with our eyes, hands, feet, mouth, ears, and heart—guarding against greed, evil actions, sinful sights, foul words, and harmful listening.Beloved in Christ, whether your fast is strict or adapted by necessity, let it be sincere, humble, and full of love. God sees the heart, and He honors every effort offered in faith.

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).

A Biblical practice, instruction and Church tradition

Father Genard delivers a heartfelt call to true Lenten fasting in this powerful episode of Double Edged Sword. Drawing from Isaiah 58 and Christ’s own wilderness fast, he reveals fasting as a divine gift and weapon—not mere abstinence, but a path to humility, repentance, and mercy.God rejects fasts filled with strife, pride, exploitation, or secret sin. Instead, He chooses the fast that looses bonds of wickedness, feeds the hungry, clothes the naked, forgives old wounds, and restores broken relationships.Beloved, this Lent let your fast be contrite and quiet: mourn your sins, bow in shame, rise in love. When offered rightly, your light will break forth like the dawn, and healing will spring up speedily (Isaiah 58:8).A gentle yet urgent encouragement for every Christian seeking to draw nearer to the Savior through prayer, fasting, and acts of compassion.

Episode 146: A businesswoman's heart opened by the Lord

Episode 145: Paul Called to Macedonia

In this heartfelt episode of the Double Edged Sword Podcast, we journey into the wisdom and grace of the early church as revealed in Acts chapter 16. Beginning with a beautiful prayer to the Holy Trinity, we reflect on the parting of Paul and Barnabas over John Mark—a moment that, though marked by honest disagreement, bore no lasting bitterness and ultimately bore fruit for the Gospel, as John Mark later became useful even to Paul.The heart of the message centers on Paul meeting young Timothy in Lystra, a faithful disciple born of a believing Jewish mother and a Greek father. In a striking act of prudence, Paul circumcises Timothy—not to uphold the old law for salvation, but to remove any barrier so the Jews in the region would receive their message without offense. This echoes Paul's own words: “To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews” (1 Corinthians 9:20). Far from hypocrisy, it shows masterful wisdom: Paul gives a little to gain much, becoming “all things to all people” so that some might be saved.We marvel at how the churches strengthened in the one holy, apostolic, catholic faith, growing daily as they obeyed the decrees from the Jerusalem council. This reminds us that the true Church stands firmly on the foundation of the apostles, guided by the Holy Spirit, not human opinion.Beloved, may this episode stir your heart to emulate the prudence of Paul and Christ Himself—who went the extra mile, paid the tax to avoid offense, and met people where they were to draw them to eternal truth. Whether facing division, cultural barriers, or the call to share the Gospel wisely, let us pray for grace to give a little in love so that many might come to know the only Savior, Jesus Christ.Join us as we continue this journey through Acts, trusting the Lord who turns every circumstance for His glory. God bless you richly until next time.

New Years 2026 Message

Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, wish you a very Merry Christmas. May the blessings of the Holy birth of our Lord and savior in flesh God incarnate be a Blessing upon you.

we explore how all have sinned and fallen short of God's glory—yet through the boundless love of the Father, revealed in His only begotten Son, we are justified, made right, and restored. From the prodigal son's joyful return to the Father's embrace, to the call for every soul—Jew and Gentile, believer and seeker—to place unwavering faith in Christ alone, this message reminds us that salvation is a gift of grace, sealed by belief in the Savior who redeems and renews.Whether you're returning to the faith or sharing the Good News this Christmas season, let this episode stir your heart to trust in Jesus, partake in His holy mysteries, and live in the freedom of His righteousness.