But if you want to abstain and fast, so that your fasting may be acceptable to
God, above all else, guard yourself by fasting from every evil word, from every
cursing and condemnation and from the evil words of others. Cleanse your
heart from all things that defile the flesh and spirit, from all grudges, and from
all intentions of immoral gain.
From the Gerontikon
Translated by Dr. Nick Stergiou
