Saint Athanasius The Great on Fasting

Saint Athanasius the Great says,
Being first purified by the fast of forty days, by prayers, and fastings, and discipline, and good works, we shall be able also to eat the Holy Passover in Jerusalem. (Letter III) We do not celebrate these days in the character of mourners; but as refreshing ourselves with spiritual food, we impose silence on our fleshly lusts. For by these means we all have strength to overcome adversaries, like Judith, when, first having occupied herself with fasting and prayers, she overcame the enemies.(Letter IV) Let us thus engage in the holy fasts, as having been prescribed by Him, and by means of which we attain the way to God. (Letter V)