For reactions involving oxygen, the gain of oxygen implies the oxidation of the atom or molecule to which the oxygen is added (and the oxygen is reduced). In organic compounds, such as butane or ethanol, the loss of hydrogen implies oxidation of the molecule from which it is lost (and the hydrogen is reduced).
In Ethiopian Orthodoxy, fasting (tsome) lasts for 55 continuous days before Easter (Fasika), although the fast is divided into three separate periods: Tsome Hirkal, eight days commemorating an early Christian figure; Tsome Arba, forty days of Lent; and Tsome Himamat, seven days commemorating Holy Week.
On Ash Wednesday, the Christian Church entered the season of Lent. The forty days of Lent are meant to be a time of intense introspection, penance, forgiveness, reconciliation, and fasting. For centuries, many Christians have chosen to express the sense of self-denial inherent in this season by giving up something. This Lent, I invite everyone in our church family to be shaped by the spiritual discipline of fasting. Reverend Lynn Smilie Nesbitt has developed a wonderful fasting guide for our church to follow. As you read the guide(below), you will see that each week we are invited to observe a different fast.