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Where in the Bible specifically does it say that it is a requirement for us to fast? Jesus did not require fasting as a part of Christianity: "They [Pharisees] said to him, 'John's disciples often fast and pray, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours go on eating and drinking.' Jesus answered, 'Can you make the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days they will fast.'"

The phrase you quoted is mentioned in both the Holy Gospel accounts according to St. Mark 2:18-20 and St. Luke 5:33-35 as a declaration in themselves of the Lord's discourse on the importance of fasting. Thus, the Apostles' Fast is clearly mentioned in the passage that you quoted. Though there are more references regarding fasting in the Old Testament, there are many also in the New Testament, like Anna, the prophetess (Luke 2:36-37) and St. John's disciples as mentioned. Fasting is an integral component of Christianity. The Lord Jesus Christ strictly instructed His disciples that the exorcism of devils can only be accomplished through fasting and prayer (Matthew 17:21; Mark 9:29). You might say that such cases of demon-possession are rare. However, since the devil is the proud instigator of all malice, guile, deceit, and hypocrisy, fasting is imperative in defeating him and putting on the love and peace of Christ.

The Lord continued teaching his chosen disciples and apostles during the forty days between His resurrection and ascension. Thus, when He ascended, the apostles began to establish the fundamental principles of worship according to the Lord's teachings in the new Christian Church, and addressed issues regarding rites, rituals, dogma, doctrine, conduct, conversion, and the sacramental Mysteries, "As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said...." (Acts 13:2). The Lord purposed these holy forty days between His resurrection and ascension to deliver the unblemished Church to the apostles, who would deliver the Church untainted, generation after generation. Fasting was one of those major stones that was laid in the foundation of the Church. "So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed" (Acts 14:23). The Coptic Orthodox Church has wisely organized specific fasts throughout the year that coincide with significant biblical events. Moses fasted as he awaited the Commandments, "So he was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights; he neither ate bread nor drank water. And He wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments" (Exodus 34:28). Thus, we fast for those days also for the advent of the holy nativity of Christ to receive the New Covenant. As the Lord fasted and was tempted in the wilderness (Matthew 4:2), so we fast also as His Church each year for the forty days of the Holy Great Fast. Every fast has a significant purpose and strength to help us grow and mature spiritually.

Please read:
- http://www.suscopts.org/messages/lectures/misclecture8.pdf
- http://www.orthodoxebooks.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/THE%20SPIRITUALITY%20OF%20FASTING%20-%20HH%20Pope%20Shenouda%20III.pdf