What date does the Easter fast begin? Lent: what you need to know and how to observe
The total duration of fasting is 48 days. It begins on the Monday, seven weeks before Easter, and ends on the Saturday before Easter.
The first week of fasting is carried out with particular strictness. On the first day, complete abstinence from food is accepted. Then, from Tuesday to Friday, dry eating is allowed (eat bread, salt, raw fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, nuts, honey, drink water), and on Saturday and Sunday - hot food with butter.
In the second to sixth weeks of Lent, dry eating is established on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; hot food without oil is allowed on Tuesday and Thursday, and hot food with butter is allowed on Saturday and Sunday.
During Holy Week (the last week of Lent), dry eating is prescribed, and on Friday you cannot eat until the shroud is taken out.
On the Feast of the Annunciation Holy Mother of God(April 7) (if it did not fall on Holy Week) and on Palm Sunday(a week before Easter) it is allowed to eat fish. On Lazarus Saturday (before Palm Sunday) you can eat fish roe.
It begins on Monday, the 57th day after Easter (a week after Trinity), and always ends on July 11 (inclusive). In 2017 it lasts 30 days.
During Petrov's Fast, fish is allowed on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, hot food without oil on Monday, and dry eating on Wednesday and Friday.
On the Feast of the Nativity of John the Baptist (July 7), you can eat fish (regardless of what day it falls on).
During the Dormition Fast, dry eating is allowed on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, hot food without butter on Tuesday and Thursday, hot food with butter on Saturday and Sunday.
On the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord (August 19), you can eat fish (regardless of what day it falls on).
In the period from November 28 to the feast of St. Nicholas (December 19 inclusive), hot food without oil is allowed on Monday, fish is allowed on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, and dry eating is allowed on Wednesday and Friday.
From December 20 to January 1, on Tuesday and Thursday it is already prohibited to eat fish; instead, hot food with butter is allowed. The remaining days remain unchanged.
From January 2 to 6, dry eating is prescribed on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, hot food without oil on Tuesday and Thursday, hot food with butter on Saturday and Sunday.
On Christmas Eve (January 6), you cannot eat until the first star appears in the sky, after which it is customary to eat sochi - wheat grains boiled in honey or boiled rice with raisins.
On the holidays of the Entry of the Virgin Mary into the Temple (December 4) and St. Nicholas (December 19), you can eat fish on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Lent in 2018 is the most important and longest in Orthodoxy. A time period when Christian believers need not only to abstain from eating certain foods, but also to supplement their existence with various spiritual practices that are predominantly ascetic in nature. The distinctive features of fasting are the holding of special services, the offering of certain prayers, as well as repentance in combination with memories of life path and the death of Christ.
- What date does Lent 2018 begin: February 19
- When does Lent end in 2018: April 7
Nutrition calendar for Lent in 2018
When does Lent 2018 begin and how long does it last, how is its date set?
Lent in 2018 begins on February 19 (Monday), and ends on April 7 (Saturday). Immediately after the end of Lent, on Sunday, April 8, Christians will celebrate Easter. The duration of Lent is 48 days, during which people observing fasting are obliged to adhere to certain rules. This period consists of 6 weeks and 1 Holy Week, a feature of which is abstinence from carnal pleasures and eating some food.
Lent serves as an eternal reminder to Christians of the time Jesus spent in the desert, where he fasted for 40 days straight. After a while, these 40 days began to be called the Great Pentecost. It is immediately followed by 8 equally important days of fasting. These include Holy Week, Palm Sunday and Lazarus Saturday. It is on these days that they pay tribute to the memory of the Passion of the Lord and the events that preceded them: the Last Supper, the last sermons of Christ, the entry of Jesus into the gates of Jerusalem, the Resurrection of Lazarus of Bethany.
The start date of Lent depends on the “floating” date of the Holy Resurrection of Christ. Every year the date of Easter changes, therefore, the date of fasting cannot be fixed either. It is noteworthy that the time period of March 8-21 always falls during Lent, regardless of its start and end date. Preparation for Lent Preparation for Lent begins, as a rule, 4 weeks before it begins. During this time, it is important to spiritually prepare for proper repentance within 48 days. Each of the 4 weeks that precedes the start date of the fast has a name.
What is the meaning and essence of Lent?
Many Christian believers call this fast the most fertile time for spiritual and physical preparation for the meeting of the bright Resurrection of Christ. Accordingly, the meaning of fasting is to thoroughly prepare for one of the main Orthodox holidays- Easter. The most important goal of fasting is sincere and deep repentance.
The essence of Great Lent comes down to the fact that Jesus, while in the desert, showed by his example how after these events the power of his Spirit and faith only strengthened. After some time, Christ declared to his disciples that the machinations of the Devil can be eliminated only by fasting and offering prayers.
Weeks before Lent
First Week (about Zacchaeus)
During this week, we need to follow the example of Zacchaeus, the man whom Jesus honored with his attention. This means that people should have free will, which will allow them to grow spiritually closer to the Lord. Scripture says that Zacchaeus was a limited and sinful man, but his faith, strong will and great desire to be righteous prevailed dark side his nature.
Second Week (about the Pharisee and the Publican)
Services are held in churches, during which special prayers and repentant chants are offered. Such services last until the 5th week of Lent. The clergy call Christians to true and demonstrative repentance. This is reminiscent of the actions of Jesus, who punished the Pharisee who exalted himself in every possible way and, on the contrary, justified the tax collector who constantly condemned himself.
Third Week (about the Prodigal Son)
In churches, clergy, in addition to the usual polyeleos psalms, sing the 136th psalm. They continue to sing it throughout Meat week, as well as the week of the Last Judgment. During the 7 days that follow Meat Week, Orthodox believers are still allowed to eat meat. The only exceptions are Friday and Wednesday.
Fourth Week (about the Last Judgment)
Dedicated to the great sin committed by Eve and Adam, their complete expulsion from Eden, as well as the subsequent Last Judgment. Sunday of this week is the last day when people planning to fast can break their fast meat products. The last Sunday before Lent is called Forgiveness Sunday, which is the final day Cheese week. After Vespers, it is necessary to perform the rite of forgiveness (universal and necessarily mutual).
Weeks of Lent
First "Triumph of Orthodoxy"
Represents the victory over heresy regarding icon veneration. Once upon a time, the Byzantine ruler forbade the veneration of icons, so many of them were destroyed. However, after a quarter of a century, a collection was held with the support of Emperor Constantine, during which the ban was lifted.
Second "Gregory Palamas"
This bishop is considered the winner of one of the most bitter theological disputes in all history Orthodox Christianity. The essence of the dispute came down to explaining what connection there is between the world and its creator - the Lord.
Third "Worship of the Cross"
It is the central week of Lent. Its name is associated with the removal from the altar of a cross decorated different colors and plants. This object of veneration is placed in the middle of the temple, and brought back only on Friday of the next week.
Fourth "John Climacus"
The Church sets people as an example the venerable righteous John Climacus, who led an exclusively fasting life. The son of holy parents (Mary and Xenophon) spent all the years of his adult life in the monastery, spending time in prayers addressed to the Lord.
Fifth "Mary of Egypt"
This amazing story The venerable righteous Mary is read as the most striking example of how people, observing fasting and trusting in God, with its help can let Divine light into their lives. This story shows that even the most dead-end spiritually There is a way out of situations if you fast and pray correctly.
Sixth “The Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem”
The name of the week comes from the Greek word “vaii”. This is what palm leaves are called. They paved the road along which Christ passed 7 days before his Crucifixion. This week is considered both sad and festive.
Seventh "Passionate"
This week occupies a special position during the entire period of Lent. The 4 weeks preceding it (Quentary Day) coincide with the 40 days spent by Jesus in the desert. And this week is the period when Orthodox Christians remember last days earthly existence of Christ.
Features of nutrition during Lent
Observing Lent is advisable not only from a spiritual point of view, but also in terms of restoring health. Any doctor will tell you that abstaining from heavy protein foods in spring period, when the body is most overloaded and needs strengthening, it is very useful. But many believers, especially those who have never fasted, doubt their abilities. In fact, fasting is not so difficult. So, let's figure out what you can eat during these seven weeks.
Fruits and berries
You can make salads from fruits, add them to any prepared dishes, or eat them raw. Give preference to pomegranates, cranberries, grapes, apples, pears and all citrus fruits.
Vegetables and greens
This includes cabbage of any variety. It can be stewed or eaten raw. It is also acceptable to use: basil, dill, parsley, cilantro, sorrel, spinach, lettuce and green onions; tomatoes and sweet peppers; pumpkins and potatoes; corn and carrots; celery.
Legumes
Peas, lentils, beans, and beans are a rich source of protein, which is so necessary for the body, especially since you cannot eat the usual protein foods during fasting. From the listed products you can prepare puree, stew, lobio, various side dishes and additions to main dishes.
Cereals
During the fasting period, you can eat porridge made from any grain. As a rule, people prepare side dishes using only 2-3 types of cereals. But the range of grains is much richer.
Fish and seafood
According to the strict rules of fasting, fish can only be eaten on Palm Sunday and the Annunciation. On Lazarus Saturday, which precedes Palm Sunday, it is permissible to eat fish caviar. As for seafood, opinions vary. Some argue that they can be eaten, like fish, only for two days. Others are inclined to believe that eating seafood is also allowed on the remaining days of fasting.
Sweet preserves and dried fruits
During Lent, you are allowed to consume compotes, confitures, jams and preserves. Based on them, you can prepare various uzvars, jelly, and fruit drinks. It is also permissible to eat these products with tea and other permitted drinks. Dried fruits can also be placed on the Lenten table. They can be added to main courses, for example, porridge or stewed vegetables, and also used for a snack. Dried fruits are welcome: pineapples; from figs; from apples, cherries and pears; from plums and apricots; from grapes; from bananas and dates.
Sweets and drinks
Those who cannot do without sweet treats are allowed to eat: sugar; honey; dark chocolate (make sure it does not contain milk); kozinaki; halva; lean marshmallows; lollipops; marmalade Dairy lovers may be advised to drink soy or coconut milk. By the way, many stores sell soy yogurt. Drinks allowed are compotes, fruit drinks, juices and jellies, coffee and teas, cocoa (without milk).
Great Lent for all people Orthodox faith is intense spiritual work, for which the Lord will certainly reward. Each week ends on Sunday. During this day, it is customary to remember certain significant event or an act committed by some righteous person, whose feat the church recorded as one of those that brought invaluable benefits to Christianity.
Lent 2018: Holy Week
Great Lent is a time of repentance and transformation human soul. After six weeks of prayer, renunciation of earthly joys and animal products, the Great Holy Week begins. A special time comes for believers - compassion and purification of their hearts. The week is dedicated to the last earthly days of the Son of God, his inhuman suffering and death. In 2018, Holy Week begins on Monday, April 2 and ends on Saturday, April 7.
-
Let us fast with a fast that is pleasant and pleasing to the Lord:
true fasting is the alienation of evil,
abstinence of the tongue, rage deposition,
lusts of excommunication, verbiage, lies and perjury.
In this impoverishment, fasting is true and favorable (c)My respect, friends!
Forgiveness Sunday has already arrived, and, accordingly, the last day of Maslenitsa. This means that Lent will begin tomorrow - the most main post in churches. Nowadays it has become fashionable to be “true Christians”, sad, of course, but alas and ah. In Yandex alone there are hundreds of thousands of queries related to Lent! Some of those asking are really serious about spending all the days of fasting with benefit for the soul, while others are simply following a new fashion or paying tribute to traditions. But, nevertheless, a lot of questions are asked:
When does it begin?
How many days does it last?
What can you eat during Lent?
How to fast correctly?
How to start and conduct a fast?
The essence of Lent.
Where did this tradition come from?
Nutrition calendar for every day.
And much, much more, from baptism to wedding.
Your humble servant was puzzled by this question and dug Google up and down, collecting grains of truth together, and remembering everything that was taught to me.
When does Lent begin?
There is no exact date. Every year during Lent different times, counting from Easter. I have already talked in several articles about how some holidays are counted from Easter, and, in fact, why this happens. There is no point in repeating ourselves, because we need the nearest dates. So:
History of the Holy Pentecost
Naturally, the history of Lent, like any history that goes back thousands of years, is fraught with a lot of mysteries and assumptions. But one thing is absolutely certain: the most important fast in Christianity used to look different.
- Until the 3rd century, believers prepared to celebrate Easter not for more than 40 days, as it is now, but for only 40 hours. Irenaeus of Lyons tells us about this. They usually fasted from the evening of Good Friday until the end of the Easter service. At this time, believers did not eat food at all. This fasting period was probably established as a reminder of the forty-day fast of Christ.
- By the middle of the 3rd century, a six-day fast appeared in memory of the events Holy Week. However, some Christians still continued to fast the old 40 hours.
- It was only at the beginning of the 5th century that Lent was increased to more than 40 days. But it is worth remembering that its duration in different Churches ranges from 6 to 8 weeks. Plus, from about this time, the observance of the Holy Pentecost was mandatory for all Christians. Those who missed fasting, even for some time, were excommunicated from the Church.
Good question. Lent (aka Holy Pentecost) lasts a total of 48 days. But not everything is so simple, there are some subtleties. For example, why does the “Lenten Day” last almost five decades?
Everything is extremely simple:
“Four Day” because on Lazarus Saturday the events of Good Friday begin, which proceed a little separately.
Also, in some teachings there is a comparison of fasting with a certain tithe of the entire year, which a believer gives to God. That is, this is a kind of sacrifice. But how do 48 days turn into a tithe of a year? Elementary:
we take 48 days and subtract all Saturdays and Sundays from there (because these days are not fast, but make no mistake, restrictions are also imposed on them), we get 35;
Divide 365 (that's how many days in a year) by 35, we get about 10.
The essence of the post
This is written very well on the Orthodox portal (I will give a link below). In principle, in any article they will tell you that: “Lent is not a diet, but an opportunity to improve oneself spiritually, strengthen faith in God and cleanse the soul by imposing certain restrictions on oneself.”
What everyone says is true, but it even sounds superficial. But we are interested in the essence.
Eating food that is cheap and quick to prepare has another purpose besides sacrificial - freeing up time and money. The first must be spent on visiting the temple and prayer, and the second for “works of mercy”, roughly speaking, distributed to those in need.
But that's not all. There is a whole list of what you cannot do during Lent, in addition to food restrictions. Let me remind you that for now there is a post It is forbidden to consume food of animal origin: milk, meat, eggs and, of course, products that contain them. But you can fish, but on certain days. Below I have drawn a calendar for Lent by day, everything is reflected there in detail.
Rules of Lent
- You cannot be proud of the fact that you are fasting, even to yourself, let alone boast to others. Fasting is not a reason to exhibit.
- You can't swear. In principle, this is generally not worth doing, but on fasting days it is especially undesirable.
- You cannot get married during Lent.
- You should limit yourself in... everything related to entertainment:
idle entertaining books;
entertaining films and TV programs;
trips to places of entertainment;
noisy gatherings in company;
games (any);
social media.
All this fades into the background.
- Laziness and doing nothing are prohibited.
- You can't give in negative emotions: anger, condemnation, anger, envy and so on. In general, you shouldn’t give in to them any day.
- You can’t quarrel and “download your rights.” I would ban this all 365 days of the year =)
- You cannot drink alcohol except on those days marked on the calendar.
- You cannot “walk to the left,” that is, have sex with someone other than your legal spouse. In general, it is recommended to abstain from sex for the entire period of fasting.
During Lent you should eat more vegetables and fruits, legumes, potatoes, porridge, lean soups, dried fruits, nuts, honey, jelly and fruit drinks, etc. In general, with Internet access it will not be difficult to find lean and tasty recipes.
Important! Now our supermarkets have a huge selection of products, including lean ones too. Mayonnaise that is not mayonnaise, soy meat, the variety of seafood and cereals is so dizzying. But... during Lent, you do not need to replace foods with the same ones, but only without animal fats, but rather change your diet to a more modest one.
And if, when you go into a store, you look around the shelves with longing in your eyes in search of soy meat and low-fat mayonnaise and milk, then your fast will be of no use.
Also, there is a limit on the number of meals. Need to eat once a day, usually in the evening.
If such restrictions, due to some circumstances, are a burden for you, but you still want to observe fasting, then you can discuss all the nuances with your confessor. In such cases, the Church has some concessions for believers:
...the church canons establish a certain minimum of fasting, which must be observed by all believers. This is a refusal of meat, milk and eggs, that is, fasting with fish, hot vegetable food in oil is the maximum degree of leniency towards human infirmities.
Below I am attaching a visual graphic calendar of fasting for 2018 by day. It reflects what kind of food can be consumed in a particular week, on a particular day.
You can download the calendar, print it out and hang it as a reminder in your kitchen =)
The version of this type of nutrition is called “monastic”. It is one of the strictest, so before you decide to fast, consult your doctor.
Who should not fast?
Another important point: There are times when people, in their desire to please God and the Church, completely forget about their own health. Yes, time restrictions on food are useful, even I give myself fasting days=) But, friends, not every person is able to withstand the 48 days of Lent due to their health condition. Please don't forget about this. Take care of yourself and your children.
But in general, the following categories of people cannot observe strict fasting:
those suffering from chronic diseases gastrointestinal tract, hematopoietic organs, oncological, etc.;
people with anemia;
those suffering from underweight;
pregnant women;
children (they do not need to be deprived of dairy foods, but it is better to ask them to voluntarily give up sweets).
In the most critical cases, the Church officially allows the sick, hard workers and travelers to drink milk. For some diseases, you can even eat meat or meat broths. For such permission you need to contact the priest.
That's probably all. I told and showed the most important things. We can say goodbye =) See you again!
P.S. Friends, the promised link to the Orthodox portal, probably everything is written about Lent there from the point of view of Orthodoxy. You can find answers to your questions.
Lent does not have a specific start or end date, as it is directly related to the onset of Easter. Each year it begins no earlier than February 15 and ends no later than May 7.
Great Lent begins on Clean Monday, immediately after Forgiveness Sunday, seven weeks before Easter. The Holy Resurrection of Christ in 2019 will be celebrated on April 28.
Story
Lent was established back in apostolic times. Initially, the fast lasted from 24 to 40 hours, during which Christians completely refused food.
In the middle of the 3rd century, a six-day fast appeared in some local Churches as a remembrance of the events of Holy Week. At the same time, some Christians considered such a feat excessive, and continued to fast for about forty hours.
At the beginning of the 5th century, all local Churches came to the idea of a 40-day Great Lent, like the tithe of the year. However, the calculation of his days depended on the location. The traditions of fasting also differed.
Some refused any food of animal origin, while others ate fish, while others could eat poultry. Those who stuck strict fasting, even eggs and fruits were excluded from the diet; the rest were generally content only with bread and water.
The period of forty days also has its own sacred meaning - Jesus Christ for forty days, tempted by the devil in the desert, did not eat or drink anything. It was through fasting that the Savior began the great work of saving people.
The essence of the post
Lent in honor of the Savior is a period of preparation for one of the main Orthodox holidays - Easter. Accordingly, this is a time of the most diligent prayers and reverence for God, as well as abstinence from certain foods.
Fasting has a special spiritual and moral meaning, and its most important meaning is based on the idea of purifying a person’s being, his soul, spiritual ministers say.
The meaning of fasting is to improve love for God and neighbors, because it is on love that every virtue is based. Reverend John Cassian the Roman said that we “do not rely on fasting alone, but by preserving it, we want to achieve through it purity of heart and apostolic love.”
Therefore, fasting and asceticism are nothing in the absence of love, because it is written: God is love, say the ministers of the church.Preparation for fasting
Preparation for Lent begins four “weeks” or 21 calendar days in advance. IN Church Slavonic language The word "week" refers to Sunday - the day when you need to rest and devote time to God.
Accordingly, the first Sunday, the “week of the publican and the Pharisee,” with which preparations for Lent 2019 began, fell on February 18. The name of the week is taken from the Gospel parable of the same name, which says that it is sinful for a person to boast and admire his deeds, since pride is the main obstacle to repentance and spiritual cleansing.
© photo: Sputnik / Sergey Nikonets
The omnivorous week, during which everything is allowed to be eaten, will end with the “week of the Prodigal Son.” On this day, a parable is told in which a son, having inherited wealth from his father, walked away from him in an idle life, but realizing his sin, he came to his father to ask for repentance. The parable shows that realizing in time that the chosen path is wrong and coming to God with repentance is the only true path leading to the salvation of the soul.
The next week is called Motley Week - this is the time of alternating fast days (Wednesday and Friday) with ordinary ones. According to church scripture, this week is considered unfavorable for marriage and matchmaking.
Third Sunday - "week of Last Judgment"During the service, they remember the parable of the Last Judgment of the living and the dead, so that a person remembers that he will have to answer for sinful acts during the Judgment.
The final week before Lent is called Cheese or Maslenitsa. These days it is no longer possible to eat meat, so people bake pancakes with and without different fillings and treat each other.
The Sunday before Lent is called Forgiveness Sunday or Cheese Week.
Forgiveness resurrection
On this day, it is customary to ask for forgiveness from relatives, friends, acquaintances, colleagues, and so on. The Church teaches that in this way a person cleanses his soul before the coming fast.
The rite of forgiveness is performed on evening services in temples. At the end of the service, the rector bow to the ground asks for forgiveness from his clergy and parishioners, they bow in response, and then ask the rector to forgive them too.
© Sputnik / Alexander Imedashvili
The tradition of Forgiveness Sunday is usually dated back to the first monastic communities, whose participants dispersed to remote places during fasting. Before leaving, the monks asked each other for forgiveness for all grievances caused, voluntarily or involuntarily, because they believed that they might not survive the dangers of solitude - wild animals and natural misfortunes.
This day also commemorates the expulsion of Adam from Paradise. This shows that a person, willfully moving away from the church, like Adam, loses contact with the spiritual world.
Duration
The total duration of Lent, which is divided into two parts, is 48 days. The first part is “Holy Pentecost”, lasting 40 days. It was established by the Orthodox in memory of the forty-day fast of Jesus Christ in the desert.
The second part is Holy Week, the last week before Easter, which is dedicated to memories of the last days of earthly life and death on the cross Christ.
In order to fast strictly according to church regulations, the laity must receive the blessing of their confessor. Before entering into fasting, Christians must prepare spiritually and undergo the sacrament of confession.
IN lately priests often remind that those who fast should remember that fasting is not a diet, not just a restriction on the consumption of certain foods, but a time of humility, prayer and repentance. During Lent, Orthodox Christians should take care of the purification of their souls and thoughts, so that with a pure heart joyfully greet the Resurrection of Christ.
And for this, you need to pray daily and, if possible, visit church services during the period of Lent.
Traditions and memorable dates
Every Christian who observes fasting is categorically not recommended to take part in all kinds of entertainment events these days.
You cannot get married, much less get married, throughout Lent. Celebration of special dates should also be postponed until better times.
By observing fasting and pushing everything unnecessary into the background, a person will be able to see that there are more interesting things in the world and, thereby, get closer to God, church ministers say.
The first and last weeks of fasting are the strictest, and the prayers are longer. Some believers, if desired, take only water and bread on these days.
© Sputnik / Alexander Imedashvili
The seventh week, which ends Lent, is called Passion Week. This week you need to repent of voluntary or involuntary sins, take communion and cleanse yourself of everything sinful, since during this week Jesus endured cruel torment for the sake of people.
Every day of this week is Great, as it was accompanied by the most important biblical events - the Last Supper, the betrayal of Jesus, the execution and the miraculous Resurrection.
This week, believers should protect themselves as much as possible from the bustle of the world - do not watch television programs, do not listen to music and stay at home as much as possible.
The material was prepared on the basis of open sources.
Every believer realizes the importance of the most important Orthodox fasting- Great. It is called that because it prepares a person for the coming of the main festive event - the onset of Easter Sunday. The date of this event varies every year, so the beginning and end of Lent should also be specified separately. Today we will tell you about the most important aspects of the Lenten menu, how to fast and what date Lent will begin in 2018.
When does Lent begin in 2018?
The first day of Lent is counted from the moment of Easter. Light Christ's Sunday in 2018 it will be celebrated on April 8, and Lent is all forty days before this moment. Thus, Lent in 2018 begins on February 19 (Monday) and will last until April 7 (Saturday) inclusive.
Lent 2018 - what date. Food and dining
The main rule of fasting is not complete abstinence from food, but the pacification of one’s desires. This may manifest itself in full compliance with the monastery menu, or perhaps only partially. It's worth knowing that in modern world It is very rare to strictly fast even in temples. Therefore, you should not exhaust yourself with insanely small portions and meager food. During fasting, it is forbidden to eat products of animal origin - both meat and eggs, milk, and all animal fats. You can replace them with nuts and mushrooms, soy.
Meals during Lent 2018
February 11 (Mon.) – fasting.
Monday February 26, March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 2 – dry eating. Food should not be diluted with oil or heated.
Tuesday 20, 27 February, 6, 13, 20, 27 March, 3 April – food can be heated, but adding oil is not allowed.
Wednesday February 21, 28, March 7, 14, 21, 28, April 4 – dry eating, as on Monday.
Thursday February 22, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, April 5 – heated food without oil.
Friday February 23, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, April 6 – dry eating, as on Monday and Wednesday.
Saturday, Sunday February 24, 25, March 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25 and March 31 - food can be flavored with vegetable oil. It is allowed to heat food and drink some red church wine.Lent in 2018 - from February 19 to April 7
During Lent, it is not recommended to eat food of animal origin - meat, eggs, milk. However, it is allowed to eat fish, but only on the holidays of Palm Resurrection and the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Eating seafood such as squid, shrimp, and mussels is not prohibited during Lent.
But we should not forget that Great Lent is not an Orthodox diet, and the purpose of fasting is not so much to cleanse the stomach as to cleanse the human soul.
As for the meal, according to the Church Charter, there are some rules:
- During the first and last weeks of Great Lent, a particularly strict fast is observed.
- Meat and dairy products (butter, cheese, cottage cheese, milk), eggs, are excluded. That is, all products of animal origin.
- You can eat only once a day, in the evening, however, on Saturdays and Sundays you are allowed to eat twice a day, at lunch and in the evening.
- On Monday, Wednesday and Friday, eat cold food, without vegetable oil. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, hot food without oil is allowed.
- On Saturdays and Sundays it is allowed to add vegetable oil for food, it is also allowed to drink grape wine (except for Saturday of Holy Week).
- IN good friday(this is the last Friday of Lent) you should abstain from food altogether.
- On Saturday, many who observe fasting also abstain from food until the onset of Great Easter.
What foods are allowed to be consumed during fasting?
If you approach your diet wisely during Lent, then, firstly, you will not have to go hungry, and secondly, even during the period of strict fasting, nutrition can be quite varied and balanced.
So, the main products allowed during fasting:
- Black bread, cereal crispbread.
- Cereals (oatmeal, buckwheat, rice, corn, wheat, barley)
- Salted and pickled vegetables, berry and fruit jam.
- Mushrooms of various preparations.
- Legumes (beans, lentils, peas)
- Dried fruits, nuts, honey.
- Seasonal vegetables (potatoes, beets, carrots, onions, cabbage, radishes, etc.)
- Fruits in season (apples, bananas, grant, oranges, etc.)
- Fish is allowed to be consumed twice during the entire fast. On the feast of the Annunciation (in 2016 it falls on April 7) and Palm Sunday (April 24, 2016)
Why should you fast?
The answer to this question will be Scripture. The Bible says that for forty days the Savior was in the desert, where he ate and drank practically nothing. He devoted this time to rethinking his life, setting himself up for a difficult fate and fully realizing what awaits him. People, refusing entertainment and animal food, pay tribute to the Son of God, who suffered and tormented for the salvation of our souls, took this step prepared and in full agreement with his fate.