An Angolan preacher, Apostle Marcelino Mário Bento—also known as Prophet Elijah—from Luanda, has allegedly claimed to have lived on only water since 2016 under divine instruction, with plans to continue the fast until 2056 to demonstrate spiritual devotion and power.
A video of his alleged claim went viral on X, sparking widespread skepticism from social media users and health experts, who noted that humans can typically survive without food for only one to three months before organ failure.
Critics questioned the authenticity of the claim due to the lack of independent verification while others viewed it as a reflection of the ongoing tension between faith and scientific understanding.