Today is the first day of the longest fasting period in Orthodox Christian tradition. Strict fasting is observed during the first and last week, and apart from animal and dairy foods, which are excluded during the entire fasting period, vegetable fats such as oil and olive oil are not allowed either. Fish and invertebrates such as snails, mussels, etc. are allowed on March 25 (Annunciation) and April 28 (Palm Sunday). In order for the fasting to be salvific, it must be blessed by a priest who also guides people how to fast.
Pregnant women, children and people with health problems are exempt from fasting during the Great Lent. Fasting also implies abstinence from sinful and evil thoughts and deeds. Thus, the laity can welcome the Resurrection of Christ with pure hearts. This year Easter falls on May 5.
On Maundy Thursday, Orthodox Christians go back to the final days in the earthly life of Jesus Christ, the Last Supper of the Saviour with the apostles and the betrayal, his suffering, death and burial. The church services on this day recreate the..
For the Orthodox Church, the 29th of April marks the beginning of Holy Week - a profound period dedicated to the contemplation of the life of the Saviour and the preparation for the Holy Resurrection. Immediately after the great Christian feast of..
"Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" (Luke 19:38). With these enthusiastic exclamations, which the Church recalls on the feast of the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem, Jesus Christ was..
The Bright Week for Orthodox Christians ends with the feast of Thomas Sunday. On this day, the Church commemorates the Apostle Thomas, one of the twelve..
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