A pastor in Mozambique died on Wednesday 15th February 2023 after attempting to fast for 40 days, in emulation of the biblical story of Jesus Christ.
Francisco Barajah, the founder of the Santa Trindade Evangelical Church, was admitted to a hospital in the city of Beira after fasting for 25 days without food or water, during which time he lost a considerable amount of weight and was unable to stand.
At the insistence of relatives and followers, he was taken to hospital where he was diagnosed with acute anaemia and digestive organ failure. Despite attempts to rehydrate him with serums and introduce liquid foods, it was too late and he passed away.
The 39-year-old pastor was also a French teacher in the central province of Manica, bordering Zimbabwe.
Members of the Santa Trindade Church have said that while it is common for the pastor and his followers to fast, doing so for such an extended period is not typical.
