Great Lent has begun for Orthodox believers.

March 3, MINSK . Orthodox believers began Great Lent today —a time of prayer, services, and spiritual and physical struggles that culminates in the celebration of the Bright Resurrection of Christ—Easter.

Great Lent is the strictest and longest of the multi-day fasts of the Orthodox Church. it lasts seven weeks and consists of the forty-day fast proper (Lenten), which commemorates the forty-day fast of Jesus Christ in the desert, and the fast of Holy Week. This year, Great Lent will last from March 3 to April 19.

The first and last weeks of Great Lent are considered the strictest. On Saturday of the sixth week, the church commemorates the miracle of Jesus' raising of Lazarus. Saturday is followed by Palm Sunday, which begins Holy Week—the final week of Lent, during which the suffering of Jesus Christ is remembered.

This fast is called Great not only because of its length and severity, but also because of its great significance in the life of an Orthodox Christian. The main tasks during Lent are increased prayer, repentance for sins, and renunciation of sensual vanity. Due to the sorrowful days of Lent, the days of "contrition and lamentation," the order of church services is also modified. The daily celebration of the Divine Liturgy is suspended. It is celebrated on Saturdays and Sundays during Lent. Throughout Lent, books of the Old Testament are read at morning and evening services.

On the day before Easter—Great Saturday—the faithful gather in church for prayer. The service commemorates the time of Jesus Christ's incarnation in the tomb. During Matins on Great Saturday, the clergy remove the Shroud from the church and, with the participation of the people, carry it around the church in remembrance of Jesus Christ's descent into hell and his victory over hell and death. On this day, the faithful bring Paschal food to the church for its blessing.

During Lent, according to church regulations, one should not consume animal products— MEAT , MILK , eggs , and fish. From Monday to Friday, unless a holiday falls on these days , one must also abstain from vegetable oil. Wednesday and Friday are dry days. Only cooked vegetables may be eaten. On Sundays, light wine is permitted in small quantities.Fish is permitted only twice: on the Annunciation and Palm Sunday.

Relaxations in the fast are possible, depending on a person's HEALTH and occupation. The fast is eased for the sick, the elderly, pregnant women, and those engaged in heavy labor.

Many believers abstain from food for the first three days.

Speaking of Great Lent, Orthodox theologians emphasize that asceticism should be expressed not so much in a proper diet (as many mistakenly believe), but in spiritual concentration. During this period, believers devote their free time and efforts to understanding the Creator, reflecting on the meaning of life, the soul, and good and evil. During Great Lent, Christians are advised to abstain from entertainment, smoking, and ALCOHOL. It is imperative to focus on one's inner state and fight manifestations of anger, resentment, and judgment.

The Church teaches that the most important thing in Great Lent is spiritual purity. Moderation in all things is to be observed during Lent. The deep essence of fasting is for a person to elevate himself morally, purify his soul, and become imbued with love and mercy for others.