Easter Lent begins today: traditions, customs
Kyiv • UNN
Today, on March 18, Orthodox Christians begin the Easter Lent, which will last seven weeks and end on May 5, the day of the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Today, on March 18, Orthodox Christians begin the Easter Lent, which will last seven weeks and end on May 5, the day of the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, UNN reports .
Easter Lent is considered to be one of the strictest, because it falls on the last weeks of Jesus Christ's life, his execution, and spiritually prepares a person for the feast of his Resurrection, Easter.
During Easter Lent, believers should spend more time in prayer, and be sure to go to church to confess.
During the days of fasting, it is not advisable to have fun, organize loud celebrations and entertainment. There are dietary restrictions. The most strict are the first day of fasting and Good Friday, when believers are advised to drink only water.
During Easter, it is strictly forbidden to eat meat, eggs, and dairy products. The diet during Lent depends on the day of the week:
- Wednesday, Friday - raw food, it is allowed to eat foods that have not been heat-treated;
- Monday - it is allowed to eat hot dishes, but without adding oil;
- Tuesday, Thursday - you can add oil to hot dishes;
- Saturday, Sunday - people who do not observe a strict fast may eat fish.
They may not observe the fast:
- Sick people;
- pregnant women and mothers who have recently given birth;
- children under 14 years of age;
- people who are on the road for a long time;
- residents of frontline areas, combat zones, and military personnel.