Lent begins immediately after Maslenitsa and lasts seven weeks. During this time, Orthodox Christians are trying to cleanse themselves of dark thoughts, to prepare their soul and body for the great holiday of Easter.
Instructions
Step 1
Any fasting begins with confession. Contact the temple in advance to find out the dates by which you can talk one-on-one with the clergyman. Prepare for confession, at least a day before it, do not smoke, do not drink, try not to use foul language. Tell the priest everything that has accumulated in your soul. He may deny you the sacrament. You shouldn't be upset. This only means that you need to analyze your actions more deeply, really sincerely repent for everything you have done. Please try again in a couple of days.
Step 2
Read the Gospel. Compare your life to him. This will make it easier for you to endure Great Lent. You will learn about the suffering of Jesus Christ, in comparison with which the restriction in food and entertainment will be only a fraction of what he had to experience. But as you go through this, you will become much closer to the Savior.
Step 3
Quit smoking and drinking in advance. Bad habits can be difficult to get rid of overnight. Therefore, approach the beginning of Lent prepared. Reduce the number of cigarettes smoked per day, stop drinking beer in the evenings. Then you will easily give up worldly pleasures on fast days.
Step 4
It is better not to turn on the TV during Lent. But what if your family does not support your views? Collect in advance and put on a separate shelf the books that you wanted to read, but did not have time to. When loved ones are watching TV, retire to another room or kitchen with a book. Of course, it is better for this to be a legend about the life of the saints, but classical novels with reflections on the Russian spirit and Orthodox power are quite suitable.
Step 5
Buy an Orthodox calendar in which it is marked on which days of Great Lent what food can be eaten. This will make it easier for you to navigate the grocery shopping and cooking.
Step 6
Start Great Lent with prayer, ask the Lord to help you in all trials. Ask for peace of mind and body. Remember that by doing so you will prepare for the Easter holiday, meet it with bright, pure thoughts.
