Great Lent begins for Orthodox Christians
The first week of Great Lent has begun for Orthodox Christians. Photo: azbyka.ru
On March 2, 2025, Christians belonging to the Orthodox Church began Great Lent – a liturgical period that precedes Holy Week and Easter.
Great Lent consists of six weeks (or "sedmitzas"), making up a total of 40 days; hence, it is also called the Forty-Day Fast (Quadragesima). These six weeks are followed by Holy Week, during which fasting is also observed.
According to church tradition, Great Lent is the strictest, longest, and most significant of all Orthodox fasts. It was established in imitation of the 40-day fast of the Savior following His Baptism in the Jordan, as described by three evangelists (Matt. 4:1–2; Mark 1:12–13; Luke 4:1–2).
During this time, Christians refrain from consuming food of animal origin. Physical abstinence is accompanied by intensified prayer, repentance, and good deeds.
Great Lent is distinguished by special services and prayers. For example, during the first four evenings of Great Lent, the Great Penitential Canon of St. Andrew of Crete is read in churches. The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is celebrated only during this liturgical period, and various services include the Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian.
Great Lent and Holy Week will conclude with the celebration of Easter on April 20.
As previously reported by the UOJ, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry has blessed the UOC faithful for Great Lent.
Read also
German McDonald's removes food from adverts until sunset over Ramadan
In Germany, during the Muslim fast, a fast-food chain hides food images in advertising during the day and shows them only in the evening.
Metropolitan Longin after hearings: Sessions conducted under the rule of law
After the Hertsa Сourt session, the bishop thanked the faithful for their support and called for forgiveness, prayer, and faithfulness to Christ.
Christian series "The Chosen" sets world record for being most widely-translated
The streaming series The Chosen , which explores the life of Jesus and his disciples, has broken its own Guinness World Record for being the most widely-translated series of all time.
US Secretary of Defense to the Army: God extends His arms over you
Pete Hegseth stated that American military personnel are "no longer defenders" but warriors "trained to destroy the enemy."
MP demands answers from Rivne authorities over UOC charity event
Bobrovska expressed outrage that city officials allowed the Rivne Eparchy of the UOC to hold a charity festival that raised money for children with cancer.
In U.S., Archbishop of Albania leads Divine Liturgy on Triumph of Orthodoxy
The Primate of the Albanian Church served in Massachusetts and called for visible unity among Orthodox jurisdictions.