Great Lent is the most important fasting period in the Orthodox Christian Church, a time of spiritual reflection, repentance, and preparation for the celebration of Pascha (Easter). Lasting for 40 days and followed by Holy Week, it invites believers to deepen their faith through prayer, fasting, and acts of kindness.
During Great Lent, Orthodox fasting rules traditionally encourage abstaining from meat, dairy, eggs, and often fish. Meals are typically plant-based, focusing on vegetables, grains, legumes, fruits, nuts, and seeds. On certain days, olive oil and wine may also be limited, while fish is usually allowed only on specific feast days.
The structure of Great Lent in the Orthodox Church is carefully organized to guide the faithful through a spiritual journey of repentance, prayer, and renewal as they prepare for Pascha (Easter). The entire period includes several preparatory weeks followed by the forty days of Great Lent and concludes with Holy Week.
Preparatory Weeks
Before Great Lent begins, the Church provides several preparatory Sundays that help believers gradually enter the fasting season. These include the Sundays of the Publican and the Pharisee, Prodigal Son, Last Judgment (Meatfare), and Forgiveness (Cheesefare). During these weeks, the faithful reflect on humility, repentance, mercy, and forgiveness.
The Forty Days of Great Lent
Great Lent officially begins on Clean Monday and lasts for forty days. Each week has a specific spiritual focus:
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First Week: A time of intense prayer and repentance, highlighted by the Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete.
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Second Week: Dedicated to St. Gregory Palamas, emphasizing the importance of prayer and spiritual transformation.
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Third Week: The Veneration of the Cross, offering encouragement and strength at the midpoint of the fast.
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Fourth Week: Commemorates St. John Climacus, reminding believers of the spiritual ascent toward God.
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Fifth Week: Honors St. Mary of Egypt, a powerful example of repentance and God’s mercy.
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Sixth Week: Leads to the celebration of Lazarus Saturday and Palm Sunday, which commemorate Christ’s victory over death and His entry into Jerusalem.
Holy Week
Following the forty days of fasting, Holy Week begins. This final and most solemn part of the Lenten journey recalls the last days of Christ’s earthly life, His Passion, Crucifixion, and burial. The week culminates in the joyful celebration of Pascha, the Resurrection of Christ.
Together, these stages form a spiritual path that gradually leads believers from repentance to the light and joy of the Resurrection.
