Great Lent is the preparation of an Orthodox person for Easter. During fasting, there is a purification and conversion to God, as a result of which a person becomes better.
The beginning of Lent
Lent begins after Maslenitsa and lasts for 48 days. The start and end dates of Lent change every year. On forgiven Sunday, the final day of Maslenitsa, you need to forgive all loved ones, relatives and friends, and also ask for forgiveness from those who might have offended you, which will allow you to enter Lent with a purified and truly open soul. Great Lent opens with Clean Monday, the day when Orthodox Christians traditionally clean their homes, go to the bathhouse and put on clean clothes. The end of the fast marks the great feast of the Resurrection of Christ.
The meaning of Lent
Everyone who decides to adhere to Lent performs a small feat within himself. During the period of fasting, a person should not only eat right, but also pray intensely, and also try to rethink his life values and priorities. During Great Lent, you should try to forgive all offenders and not hold grudge against loved ones, be restrained, humble and calm. It is also forbidden to perform conjugal duties, attend social events and have fun in every possible way.
Do not think that only by limiting yourself in food you observe Great Lent. It is also worth refraining from negativity, not deceiving and not even thinking bad about others.
The process of physical abstinence is aimed at fully meeting Easter, feeling its significance and greatness.
Food during Lent
During the fast, you should stop eating eggs, milk, meat, fish and vegetable oil, as well as any alcoholic beverages. During the first couple of days of Lent, it is necessary to drink only clean water, then the alternation of cold food on odd days of the week and warm food on even days begins.
Particular attention should be paid to the number of meals per day, on weekdays you should limit yourself to one, on weekends two. During the Annunciation and Palm Sunday, it is allowed to eat fish, and on Lazarev Saturday, caviar is allowed.
Small children, sick people, as well as pregnant women are allowed not to adhere to Great Lent or observe it, making it much easier.
The main emphasis in nutrition during fasting is on plant foods: vegetables, fruits, cereals, cereals, various pickles, mushrooms and nuts. However, you must always remember that you should adhere to reasonable restrictions in food, not to overeat or indulge yourself.
Great Lent is able to open a person's heart to love and purify his soul; one should only strictly observe its rules.
