Since 2020 · Neamț Monastery
Water fasting, prayer and repentance retreats
Therapeutic and spiritual fasting in an organised setting, with assessment, guidance and participation in the prayer life of the monastery.
See the retreatsWhat we offer
The Fasting and Repentance Retreat
Ten days at Neamț Monastery, where water fasting is joined with prayer, confession and the quiet of the monastery, in an organised setting with guidance throughout.
- 7 + 3 days of actual fasting and refeeding
- Neamț Monastery, with the blessing of Metropolitan Teofan
- Recommended age: 40 and over
- Assessment on arrival and daily monitoring
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 asked to contact the organisers on+40 332 802 834 to discuss whether taking part is suitable. Younger couples who wish to attend, especially to address infertility or other difficulties as a couple, are also asked to call the association, so they can book places together in the same retreat.
The retreats are held at Neamț Monastery, Neamț County, with the blessing of His Eminence Teofan, Metropolitan of Moldavia and Bukovina, and of His Grace Nichifor Botoșăneanul, Auxiliary Bishop of the same Metropolis. The retreat is held in Romanian.
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 food – the Body and Blood of the Lord – is given to us so that we may become like Him. Calling on the Name of God (prayer) allows the uncreated energy to work within us, bringing all the created parts of our being into unity and balance and into a living relationship with the divine Model.
The Therapeutic Fasting Association is apolitical. Nothing related to political parties or leaders is posted at the fasting retreats or in the communication groups.
- 10% discount for married couples
- 25% discount for a second consecutive retreat
Retreats currently available:
We recommend registering at least 2–3 months before the period you want.
- Session
- Session
- Session
- Session
- Session
- Session Easter
- Session Easter
This information is updated daily; please check availability by phone.
Book a place2020the year we began
4,500+participants in retreats and programmes
1,000 kmwalked, with water only
10+books published on fasting
Testimony and Ethos
Today, Romania and the wider world are facing a growing number of lifestyle-related diseases: obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, 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.
The Therapeutic Fasting Association (APT) was founded in response to this need. Our mission is to rediscover and pass on the value of fasting as a way to discipline life, support health and regain inner freedom.
Who we are
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 taken part in the retreats and programmes organised by the Therapeutic Fasting Association.
Many of them have discovered through direct experience that fasting can become a powerful tool for changing one’s lifestyle.
About our founder, Cezar EliseiAPT is neither a medical institution nor a church institution. It is apolitical.
The Benefits of Fasting
What participants report. These are personal experiences, not guaranteed medical results.
Weight
Gradual weight loss, on average around 1 kg a day in the first days, and a reduction in body fat.
Appearance
Many participants notice less puffiness in the face and legs and clearer skin.
Heart
Participants often report more balanced blood pressure and a lower resting pulse.
Digestion
Rest for the digestive system; abdominal discomfort often eases after the first days.
Kidneys and blood
Steady hydration supports elimination; test results are discussed with the doctor on arrival and at the end.
General well-being
Better sleep, more energy during the day and a sense of mental clarity.
Spiritual benefit
Fasting joined with prayer and confession brings a person closer to God, to themselves and to their neighbour.
Fasting library
Learn about fasting before you come
Articles on how fasting works, how to practise it safely and how to come out of a fast.
About fasting
Water Fasting and Ketosis
During the first 2 – 3 days after stopping food intake, the body begins to use glycogen reserves stored in the liver. As these reserves are depleted…
Read About fastingFasting – a Reset for the Body
Fasting can be a way for the body to restore its balance and normal functioning. Over time, poor dietary habits may lead to the accumulation of excess fat…
Read About fastingThe History of Fasting
Fasting is the voluntary abstinence from food, drink, or both, practiced for medical, religious, ritual, or ethical reasons. This abstinence may be total…
Read About fastingContraindications for Water Fasting
There are certain conditions in which water fasting is strictly contraindicated, as it may worsen health or lead to serious complications. Individuals…
Read Fasting practiceBefore, During and After a 7-Day Water Fast
A guide to a 7-day water fast: how to prepare, what happens during the fast, the role of salt and how to come out of it safely.
Read Fasting practiceRefeeding after Water Fasting
Coming out of a prolonged fast is just as important as the fasting period itself. A sudden or uncontrolled return to eating can cause digestive discomfort…
ReadThe whole library
Articles, frequently asked questions and videos.
The Fasting and Repentance Retreat on video
See the stories of people who took part in the fasting retreats and the impact they had on their lives (in Romanian).
Our centre in Iași
The Therapeutic Fasting Association has a centre in Iași, at 2 Pantel Street (near Eternitatea cemetery), where it offers high-quality services to all fasters, under the supervision of Cezar Elisei.
For the first time, we will offer fasters from all over the country integrated services for a fast that is therapeutic in the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual sense. We will be able to offer:
- Guidance for fasts of 3 – 40 days – Cezar Elisei
- Colon hydrotherapy sessions for a deep cleansing of the large intestine
- Lymphatic drainage massage
- Medical consultation (on request)
- Psychological consultation (on request)
- Books and other materials on water fasting and dry fasting
- Therapeutic water – Kangen
- Complete kits for starting a fast well
- Putting you in touch with other fasters around the country
- Direct registration for the fasting retreats at the monastery
Appointments on +40 332 802 834, Monday to Saturday, 9:00 – 18:00 (Romanian time).
Books on fasting
The association’s published work on fasting, nutrition and spiritual life (in Romanian).
Diary of a 40-day Therapeutic Water Fast
The Complete Edition of Therapeutic Fasting: Soma. Anima. Pnevma.
My Way
Healing, a Laborious Gift. The Water Fast
Fasting Can Save Your Life
Have a question about therapeutic fasting?
Before you write to us, the answer may be just a click away.
All frequently asked questionsAt Neamț Monastery, Neamț County, Romania, with accommodation in recently renovated rooms at the Saint Paisius Centre.
Our community
Join the group Join the Facebook group
Cezar Elisei – Therapeutic water fasting. A place where fasters share their experience and support one another (in Romanian).
Register for the fasting retreat
Fill in the registration questionnaire or call us to talk about the right time for you.