THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Cyril. The Law further states, “Also on the ninth day of this seventh month, the day of purification, let there be a holy convocation among you; humble your souls, and offer sacrifice to the Lord; you shall do no work on this day: for it is a day of purification, to cleanse you in the sight of the Lord your God: and every soul that shall not humble itself on that day shall be destroyed from among its people: and if any soul shall do any work on this day, I will destroy that soul from among its people; you shall do no work: this is an everlasting ordinance in your generations, in all your dwellings; this is for you a Sabbath of rest, and humble your souls, from the evening of the ninth day of the month; from evening to evening... you shall celebrate your Sabbath” (Lev. 23:27-32).
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The Law instructs us to engage in humility and fasting, to present burnt offerings, and to cease all labor. Fasting signifies the suppression of earthly desires, while burnt offerings represent a total dedication to God, offered in a pleasing aroma, not in fragments, but entirely and completely. By resting from our labors and withdrawing from daily pursuits, the Law clearly indicates that we should refrain from earthly actions altogether. Do you not believe that those who are aware of the end times, who heed the sacred final trumpet and keep the Judge in their hearts, should strive to put to death their desires and dominate their physical passions? Moreover, they should present themselves to God with a virtuous lifestyle and distance themselves from worldly vanities and the burdens of this life. Palladius. Indeed, how could it be any different? Cyril. And what is it? Do not the victors over their passions, who have put to death “your earthly members: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil lust” (Col. 3:5), offer themselves in a pleasing aroma to God as if they were among the burnt offerings, seeking redemption for their souls? Palladius. Absolutely. Cyril. Thus, the Lawgiver has designated the day of fasting as a day of atonement, rightly so, since it restrains the flesh and its desires while being infused with the essence of virtue. Those who fail to abstain from worldly endeavors will inevitably face severe repercussions, as the Law explicitly warns that anyone who does not fast, offer burnt offerings, or observe the command of non-doing will be cut off from their people.