Abstract
Manifold are the benefits of fasting according to Basil of Caesarea. It is “the mother of health,” bringing physical well-being to the infirm and preserving bodily health for the fit.¹ It is also “a good guardian of the soul,” producing spiritual health, purifying the soul of sin, and equipping the soul with weapons most effective for spiritual warfare.² And yet, even though Basil recognizes that fasting brings such personal and individual advantages, he actually views the benefits of fasting primarily in social and political terms, and more specifically in terms of the eradication of disorder and the establishment of good