The Fasting and Repentance Retreat offers participants the opportunity to practise therapeutic fasting, repent of their sins, and pray together with other Christians who share the same values, within a structured spiritual setting in Romania.
These retreats are generally recommended for participants aged 40 and above, as fasting requires a certain level of physical, psychological, and moral maturity. Those under this age are encouraged to contact the organisers at +40 332 802 834 to discuss whether participation is suitable.
Younger couples who wish to attend, especially to address infertility or relationship difficulties, are also invited to contact the Therapeutic Fasting Association by phone to reserve places together in the same retreat.
The retreats are organised at Neamț Monastery (Neamț County), with the blessing of His Eminence Teofan, Metropolitan of Moldavia and Bukovina, and His Grace Nichifor Botoșăneanul, Auxiliary Bishop of the same Metropolis.
Fasting is a therapeutic tool
Water is the means and the substance of purification.
Repentance is a deep and continuous transformation of the whole person: body, mind, heart, and soul.
Spiritual nourishment – the Body and Blood of the Lord – is given to help us become like Him
The invocation of God’s Name (prayer) allows uncreated divine energy to work within us, bringing all aspects of our being into balance and bringing them into a living relationship with the divine model.
The Therapeutic Fasting Association is apolitical. Nothing related to political parties or leaders is posted in the fasting camps or on the Communication Groups.
The Therapeutic Fasting Association recommends registering for a camp at least 2-3 months before the desired period.
Today, Romania and the wider world are facing a growing number of lifestyle-related diseases: obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic stress, anxiety, and depression. In response, more and more people are looking not only for treatment, but also for ways to restore inner balance and health.
Therapeutic Fasting Association (APT) was founded in response to this need. Our mission is to rediscover and promote fasting as a way to discipline life, support health, and regain inner freedom.
APT is an organisation that promotes water fasting in a structured setting, combining modern health knowledge with the ascetic tradition of Christian spirituality.
Since 2020, over 4.500 people have participated in APT retreats and programmes. Many have discovered through direct experience that fasting can become a powerful tool for changing one’s lifestyle.
At APT retreats, fasting is approached in an integrated way:
Physical – supports metabolism, reduces excess, and helps the body’s natural regeneration processes
Emotional – reduces stress, improves mental clarity, and helps break compulsive behaviours
Spiritual – strengthens prayer, restores meaning in life, and deepens one’s relationship with God
For many participants, fasting marks the beginning of real change: healthier eating, more regular physical activity, a deeper spiritual life, and a better relationship with their own body.
Fasting is not a modern invention. From Hippocrates – who recommended food restriction in certain illnesses – to modern research on metabolism and autophagy, medicine has gradually rediscovered its value.
In Orthodox spirituality, however, fasting goes even deeper. It is not only about physical health, but also about purification, freedom, and inner transformation.
APT promotes fasting not only through teaching, but through lived experience.
As part of our work, several long-distance pilgrimages have been completed without solid food, including:
These are not about physical performance, but about showing that people can rediscover inner strength, discipline, faith, and courage.
The Therapeutic Fasting Association is neither a medical institution nor a church institution. It is an initiative that aims to build a bridge between health, spiritual life, and personal responsibility.
We believe that:
APT aims to be a movement for renewal – an invitation to a simpler, cleaner, and more conscious way of life.
We do not offer exaggerated promises.
We offer the experience of a path that can change your life.
Weight loss, on average 1 kg per day. Comfort eating in the absence of food. Decrease in body fat percentage, usually 1% per day, starting on day 3.
Reduction and disappearance of swelling, both on the face and legs, as well as in the sinuses and bronchi. Acne and the tendency to form boils disappear. Complete or partial disappearance of papillomas.
Reduction of blood pressure in patients with hypertension and moderate hypotension at rest at rest. Decrease in heart rate, usually to 55-60 bpm. Objective improvement in patients with atherosclerosis of the coronary and large vessels. Decrease or disappearance of shortness of breath.
Reduction or disappearance of abdominal pain with peptic ulcer and gastritis (normalization of pH). Often on the fifth day of fasting, the worms die. Disappearance of cellulite, usually after the 5th day of fasting.
A distinct improvement in well-being in patients with kidney disease, especially with chronic renal failure. On ultrasound, sand disappears in the gallbladder and renal pelvis. The blood leukocyte count is normalized. An increase in the number of leukocytes is observed, usually from 4 to 5-6 thousand / μl.
Better sleep. Increased activity during the day. As a rule, patients notice that they have begun to like themselves and those around them more. The disappearance of the usual plaque on the tongue and bad breath after breaking the fast.
During the water fast, man draws closer to his Creator, feels part of creation, part of the whole, and wishes to express this feeling through acts of worship, through prayer, or through unconditional love for his neighbor. The faster does not make an effort to believe or theorize spirituality, but becomes spiritual without directly intending this. He has the feeling that he is doing the right thing and that by giving up food he is on the right path towards himself, towards the world, and towards a personal, living, and loving God - the true God, Our Heavenly Father.
Before you ask via email, you may find the answer just a click away. Access the FAQ section below!
In order to consider your application for acceptance into the therapeutic fasting camp, please answer the following questionnaire honestly. I note that all personal data you provide will be known only to me and will be used to discern whether a person is ready for the 7 + 3 day water fast.
Therapeutic Fasting Association
Raiffeisen Bank
RON: RO04 RZBR 0000 0600 2305 1110
EUR : RO74 RZBR 0000 0600 2305 1111
