Retreat

At least two weeks prior to the beginning of the water-only fast, it is recommended to avoid the use of antibiotics. If these have been used, the administration of probiotics is necessary for restoring the intestinal bacterial flora.

Optimal preparation for participation in fasting retreats may also include prior cleansing of the gallbladder and liver through the method known as the “Andreas Moritz procedure.”

Preparation for the retreat begins at home. Dietary choices in the period preceding the fast represent important factors for the smooth progression of water-only fasting. For this reason, a gradual reduction and adaptation of the diet is recommended approximately two weeks before arrival at the retreat.

During the first week, it is recommended to eliminate sweets (of any kind), refined products, alcohol, meat, and meat-based preparations. Dairy products (fresh cheeses, yoghurt, kefir, etc.), as well as vegetables, fruits, and cereals, may be maintained. A lacto-vegetarian diet is therefore recommended, with an emphasis on vegetable consumption.

Salt intake should be progressively reduced to near elimination before arrival at the retreat, in order to avoid potential imbalances in sodium levels during the period of food abstinence.

During the second week, a predominantly vegetarian diet is recommended, based on vegetables and fruits, as well as fresh and whole grains, with limited fats. The exclusive use of high-quality olive oil is recommended.

Fasting represents a break from previous eating habits and conventional lifestyle; it constitutes a form of reset and an opening toward a different way of living and understanding both nutrition and spiritual life. In order for these objectives to be achieved, a certain detachment from daily life is necessary during the retreat – from professional obligations, stress, phone usage, and especially from social influences. A frequent reason why many people have not yet undertaken a water-only fast – although they have felt this need for physical purification, emotional detachment, or closeness to God – is the pressure of their social environment, which discourages them.

The Fasting and Repentance Retreat

The fasting and repentance retreat organised by the Therapeutic Fasting Association offers all participants the possibility to undertake a healing fast, to repent through confession, and to pray together with other Christians who share the same values, within a structured spiritual setting in Romania.

The retreats are organised at Neamț Monastery, in Neamț County, in an area of strong spiritual significance, located near the monasteries of Secu, Sihăstria, Sihla, Vovidenia, Agapia, and Văratec. The retreats are held with the blessing of the Church hierarchs, and the entire activity of the association is recognised and supported by physicians, theology professors, scientists, and Church authorities.

Programme Structure

Arrival at the retreat is scheduled for the date established by the organisers. On this day, participants check in, complete the necessary registration steps, and receive orientation within the complex.

On the second day, an important stage begins: the evaluation of health parameters. Body weight, body fat percentage, blood pressure, blood glucose, and other relevant indicators are measured. The medical staff prepares an individual file for each participant, and, together with the physician, the recommended procedures are established.

Subsequently, all participants take part in workshops organised by each department (physical exercise and manual therapies, internal detoxification, and spiritual counselling), where the therapeutic procedures and their effects are explained.

In the afternoon, the introductory conference on fasting is held, delivered by Cezar Elisei, President of the Association. After 18:00, purgative solutions are administered. On this day, no solid food is consumed; instead, vegetable soup and various therapeutic teas are provided.

The third day is considered the first effective day of water-only fasting, at which point participants enter the mandatory or recommended programme for detoxification, fasting, and repentance.

Fasting continues until and including the eighth day.

On the ninth day, teas and vegetable soup are consumed for the gradual resumption of digestion. On this day, the experiences lived during the fast are also analysed, and final measurements are carried out. The medical files are included in each participant’s personal folder, together with medical recommendations.

On the tenth day, in the morning, participants receive a meal for the journey and are explicitly informed about which foods may be consumed and what dietary regimen is recommended for the following two weeks. The food is prepared individually and is not purchased from commercial sources.

The Russian Retreat Model

The daily programme of these retreats follows, as a guideline, the model of the fasting programme in Goryachinsk (Republic of Buryatia, Russian Federation).

Each morning, enemas are performed, and every two days a massage session takes place. Daily long walks in fresh air are recommended (minimum 8 km, preferably 12 km), as well as excursions, hikes, and light household activities.

In the evening, conferences are organised on fasting, repentance, and prayer. Throughout the day, readings from the Psalter take place in a common space.

Massage is included in the retreat participation contribution and is provided by professional therapists, according to a pre-established schedule. Upon request, other types of massage may also be provided, subject to an additional contribution to support these services.

Rest is considered essential. Participants benefit from spacious twin rooms with balconies. In order to ensure hygiene and privacy, no more than two persons share a bathroom.

The enema is performed daily by the participant, in the room, with the possibility of assistance from medical staff. During the retreat, professional colon cleansing (hydrocolon therapy) may also be performed. Internal cleansing through enemas, hydrocolon therapy, and gallbladder discharge represents a central pillar of the programme.

Participants also receive concentrated hydrogen inhalation, used to improve cognitive functions, reduce pain, and support the management of obesity, autoimmune diseases, and the prevention of ageing, diabetes, and allergies. In cases of fainting, concentrated oxygen is administered.

As fasting must be accompanied by prayer in order to become a spiritual fast and not merely a therapeutic one, a confessor priest is available within the retreat to offer guidance to those who request it.

Participants are also periodically evaluated by a physician, to whom they may present recent medical analyses and address questions regarding the compatibility of their health condition with water-only fasting.

Conditions, Duration, and Financial Aspects

The fasting practised at the monastery consists of 7 days of water-only fasting. On days 2 and 9, juices and teas are consumed, and on the 10th day, upon departure, a takeaway meal is provided.

Throughout the entire stay, participants are kept away from the kitchen to avoid stimulating digestion.

The participation contribution for a 10-day retreat starts from 2.000 RON per person. The contribution may be made to the association’s account or upon arrival. A document confirming the contribution may be issued upon request.

A one-time 10% reduction in the participation contribution is granted to married couples participating together (this does not apply to relatives or friends).

Other Important Notes

Only individuals who undertake water-only fasting may participate in the retreat. Accompanying persons who do not fast are not accommodated within the same complex.

In cases of obesity, young people aged 16 – 18 may be accepted if accompanied by their parents.

Participation in conferences organised and delivered by Cezar Elisei and/or his guests is limited exclusively to registered and accepted participants.

Several fasting sessions are organised throughout the ecclesiastical year, especially during the fasting periods established by the Church.

After the Retreat

After a fast longer than 7 days, daily probiotic administration is recommended for 30 – 45 days.

It is also recommended to perform a weekly enema at home and to undergo a hydrocolon therapy session once every 6 months.

Water-only fasting may be practised one day per week and for 7 consecutive days every 6 months.

Natural probiotics are beneficial live microorganisms – especially bacteria and yeasts – which, when consumed in adequate amounts, can have positive effects on digestive, immune, and overall health. These are found primarily in traditional fermented foods.

 LIST OF NATURAL PROBIOTICS

1. Kefir

• It contains a wide variety of lactic acid bacteria and yeasts.
• Supports the gut microbiome, digestion and immunity.
• It is considered the "king of natural probiotics."

2. Sauerkraut (unpasteurized)

• Rich in lactobacilli.
• It helps regenerate intestinal flora and absorb vitamins.

3. Bran borscht (traditional)

• Contains lactic acid bacteria from the natural fermentation of wheat bran.
• Very good in detox diets and in restoring flora after antibiotics.

4. Kombucha

• Tea fermented with kombucha fungus (symbiote of bacteria and yeast – SCOBY).
• Supports the liver, digestion, energy and intestinal flora.

5. Natural yogurt (unpasteurized after fermentation)

• Contain Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus.
• Choose options without additives, preservatives or flavors.

6. Fermented clarified butter (ghee from raw sour milk)

• In its traditional form, ghee contains traces of beneficial bacteria if it is made from fermented milk.

7. Fermented vegetables (cucumbers, beets, carrots, etc.)

• Alternative to pickles in brine.
• Rich in enzymes and natural lactobacilli.

8. Miso (fermented soybean paste) – Japanese tradition

• Contain Aspergillus oryzae and other beneficial crops.
• It is used in soups or sauces.