PART III Church Laws
Project Gutenberg EPUB3 edition
Hippolytus, Antipope and Easton, Burton Scott
25. Fasting is here conceived to intensify prayer’s efficacy. The widows and virgins were especially dedicated to the work of intercession.
The other versions have “pray in the church”, but the Greek gives a more primitive impression.
The bishop, on account of the nature of his duties, was not permitted to vow a fast to last for any set time; he might, of course, abstain from food informally if he wished. Good Friday and Holy Saturday (chapter 29) were the only fixed fast-days, but special fasts for all might be directed on any special occasion.