Photo: Flickr/Kristina Savic
The Lent begins for Orthodox people on Monday, March 11, RIA Novosti reports. It is considered the most durable and strict fasting.
This church custom appeared in the second century. The fast lasted 40 hours then, and a century later, it was extended to six days. The initiative was voluntary, but in the 4th - 5th centuries, the church obliged all believers to join the fasting.
The Lent lasts 40 days in memory of the fast of Jesus Christ, which he spent in the wilderness before going out to preach.
In the evening, Patriarch Kirill will serve in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. The day before, he asked for forgiveness from everyone by tradition.
Head of Russian Orthodox Church called Lent a period that is intended for cleansing from sins and repentance. However, in his opinion, restrictions in food, drinks and entertainment are only ways aimed at changing the state of our soul.
People are required to fast strictly all 40 days. The most important restriction is food. Everyone already knows that it is not allowed to eat meat and dairy products, eggs and fish during Lent. The first week is the most stringent. However, Church recalls that the elderly, children and pregnant women can do relief in food restriction during this period.
By tradition, daily services will be held in temples during the first week. The 40-day fast ends with celebration of the Resurrection of Christ, or Easter, which will be celebrated on April 28 this year.
Russkiy Mir
