Today marks the beginning of Great Lent for Orthodox Christians who are to celebrate Easter on April 24. During the Lent Orthodox Christians are called to fast from certain products such as meat, dairy, fish and stay away from sin.

Those who observe a strict fast cannot eat any animal food. That is why their menu includes bread, fruit, vegetables, legume vegetables, nuts, rice, all types of cereals, chickpeas, etc. The first and the last week of Lent are the strictest period of fasting and worshippers do not eat any food containing vegetable oil. However, there are some exceptions. For instance, worshippers are allowed to eat small quantities of vegetable fats and drink wine on Saturday and Sunday. On March 25 (Annunciation) and April 17 (Palm Sunday), they are allowed to eat fish. It is important to note that fasting is not obligatory for pregnant women, people with health problems and children. One can observe fasting according to one’s health condition and body characteristics. What is more important- we must not commit sins and be filled with negative emotions.

Great Lent runs for 40 contiguous days. This is no accident, because Jesus began his earthly mission with a forty-day fast in the wilderness, although he did not have to fast, because he was sinless. He fasted for forty days to show people how important abstinence from food was. In the celebration of the Eucharist (The Holy Communion), bread and wine become the body and blood of Jesus Christ. You can read more details about the meaning of Great Lent in Radio Bulgaria’s article:

Compiled by: Elena Karkalanova