The article deals with the teaching of the Church Fathers on the consumption of wine and the ensuing problems. From an analysis of the statements of ancient authors it follows that they were not absolute enemies of wine drinking and claimed that as God’s gift wine could give people joy and warm up the organism. It can therefore without much fear be drunk by the elderly whose desires are curbed by age and reason. The young, however, should be aware of the many dangers entailed by the abuse of alcohol. Drunkenness, according to the teaching of St. Paul, is classified as grave sin. In the opinion of the Fathers drunkards cannot control their emotions and passions and this leads them to neglect their families and draw away from God. For this reason ancient preachers address those who abuse alcohol with words of encouragement to take up struggle against the addiction and in this way take care of the salvation of their souls. In their efforts to free themselves from their addiction they should be supported by those closest to them.
Speaking about the Lord’s Day, saint Caesar of Arles († 543) explains to the faithful the importance of this day and other religious holidays. Going to church has a social dimension and clearly distinguishes Christians from Pagans. Bishop of Arles attaches much importance to the fact that Christians systematically and regularly attend church services, care about punctuality and do not leave the church before the end of the Mass. St Caesar, being an experienced pastor, instructs the faithful how to behave in the church. He shows the difference between Christianity and Paganism. Christians celebrate on Sunday, Pagans on Thursday in honour of Jupiter. He asks the faithful not to conduct any court cases on Sunday and abstain from work. Bishop of Arles put the Eucharist in the centre of the Lord’s Day. He teaches that the Eucharist is true Body and Blood of Christ. He points out that the Holy Communion is like medicine for a human being, for his body and his soul, hence the concern of the Bishop so that faithful receive the Eucharist with a pure heart. A necessary condition for receiving of the Eucharist is to forgive a neighbour.
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