Lent accompanied not only by physical, but primarily by mental cleansing. People who fast claim that it helps them eliminate incontinence, weaken the impulse of their hearts, lighten their body and soften their disposition. This is the whole essence of fasting - getting rid of human vices and cleansing the soul and body.

From the point of view of modern doctors, Lent has a beneficial effect on human health. These days the body is unloaded, which helps to rejuvenate and strengthen the immune system, since the main human diet these days consists of vegetables and fruits. But before you start fasting, you need to consult a nutritionist, gastrologist or your doctor to check your health status. Doctors and the church have come to a common opinion: both believe that a person should have his own measure of moderating fasting. Which will not harm your health, but will only help you become a spiritual person.

Even in ancient times, these days were used to cleanse and prepare for the great holiday of Easter. In the days leading up to Easter, it is customary to ask each other for forgiveness, rethink your actions, and read prayers for spiritual cleansing.

When Lent ends, Holy Week comes. These days are the last in the earthly life of Christ.

One of the purposes of the post is physical cleansing with the help of unloading therapy. During Lent, the spiritual struggle against such human vices as laziness is very important. This is a kind of struggle of a person who believes in God against slavery.

How to properly prepare for Lent?

The period of preparation for Lent includes 4 Sundays, i.e. four weeks. The first is the Week of the Publican and the Pharisee, the second is the Week of the Prodigal Son, then comes the Week of the Last Judgment and Forgiveness Sunday. The second week before Lent is considered meat-free.

The most last week, “Cheese Food” is the strictest week, as you cannot include eggs, butter and cheese in your diet. Thanks to fasting, the body should achieve spiritual healing. After all, fasting should be not only spiritual, but also physical.

Body fasting involves abstaining from certain foods and drinks. Spiritual fasting should attune a person to good thoughts and cleanse the soul of evil words and deeds. These two fasts must complement each other, only then will a person experience true deliverance from mental heaviness and heal his soul.

Rules of Lent 2019: what is allowed before the great holiday of Easter?

Post before Happy Easter- this is the most strict fast, which is stated in the Church Charter. The main rule during fasting is to avoid foods such as eggs, milk and meat. You should also not eat other dishes that include the above ingredients. In addition to meat, milk and eggs, it is prohibited to eat fish. You can pamper yourself with these products Palm Sunday and on the Feast of the Annunciation. You are allowed to include vegetable oil in your diet only on the sixth and seventh days of the week.

The most on strict days considered Good Friday, Clean Monday, Good Friday and the first four days of Lent.

In the first week, on Fridays you are allowed to eat boiled wheat; for taste it can be sweetened a little with honey. On other days you can eat flour products, juices with compotes, vegetables and fruits. On Tuesday and Thursday of the first week you can eat hot dishes, but without oil.

I would like to note that not all people can adhere to Lent due to their health. Before fasting, you should consult your doctor. Each case is individual, so the diet should first be determined by a doctor and priest.

As for pregnant women and children, it is not recommended for them to fast.

What can you eat during Lent?

During Lent the following are allowed:

• Vegetables and fruits (vegetable and fruit salads).
• Pickled and canned vegetables.
• Herbal collections of dried fruits, rosehip compote.
• Porridge.
• Green.
• Soups made from vegetables, without meat.
• Potato.
• A specific type of margarine that does not contain dairy.

During the Great Easter Lent it is strictly forbidden to drink fortified alcoholic drinks. A small amount of wine is allowed to be drunk on holidays and weekends. If during fasting you find yourself behind festive table, then be sure to inform your guests that you are fasting. It is prohibited to impose fasting on other people, since a person must come to spiritual cleansing on his own.

During fasting, it is necessary not only to fast, but also to study spiritual literature, read prayers and visit temples. Before the holiday, it is best to confess and come to communion. This will help you go through all the hardships of fasting before the bright holiday of Easter.

Preparation for Easter consists not only of blessing Easter cakes, but also of observing fasting. Lent before Easter is a cleansing of the spirit and body. Heavy fasting lasts 48 days and has strict restrictions. How to fast before Easter? Not everyone knows how to fast correctly without harming their health, let’s figure it out.
It is not advisable for pregnant women, elderly and sick people, as well as children under 14 years of age to fast. First of all, fasting should affect not only the body, but also the soul. If a person follows certain rules in terms of food, but at the same time is a hypocrite and is angry with loved ones, then this will not lead to anything good.

The essence of fasting is not only to refuse food, in addition to this, you need to cleanse yourself spiritually, namely, give up entertainment, during the entire fast you need to work on yourself, avoiding temptations. The following actions also become mandatory:
1. Confession;
2. Reading the Gospel. The book is considered a source of wisdom and supports the believer during the period of fasting;
3. Prayer. Important point, you should pray morning and evening;
4. Visit to the temple. Helps to enlighten, while strengthening the spirit.
The fasting period will become not just a diet for you, but also a period of awareness and calm.

Details about products that are allowed

Vegetables. Absolutely all vegetables are welcome, from broccoli, cauliflower, Peking and white cabbage. Eat cucumbers, tomatoes, sweet peppers, green beans. Greens allowed: parsley, dill, spinach and green onions;
Cereals. Common cereals for everyone are rice and buckwheat, but you can diversify your diet with wheat, pearl barley, barley, oatmeal and corn porridge;
Legumes. Beans, peas and beans, the most important sources protein during fasting. These are a must-include in your diet; legumes are delicious pureed or simply with vegetables;
Fruits. You can have absolutely all fruits, feel free to buy apples, oranges, bananas and even exotic options;
Mushrooms. During fasting, meat and fish are equally replaced; you can prepare soup, various snacks, or even sauce for porridge;
Sweets. Eat with confidence oatmeal cookies, dark chocolate, halva, kozinaki, sugar and even honey. Dried fruits and berries are also allowed.

Products that are strictly prohibited to eat:

1. Chocolates;
2. Boiled food;
3. Butter and sunflower oil;
4. Dairy products;
5. Meat;
6. Fish.
Before Easter, be sure to attend services and prepare for the holiday by baking Easter cakes and coloring eggs.

Restrictions

1. Smoking, drinking, drinking energy drinks;
2. You cannot go to nightclubs and similar entertainment establishments;
3. Do not swear, do not be hostile, and do not say evil words to others.
Each person must individually come to a decision whether he will fast or not, because this is far from an easy step, everything will depend only on you! For some, the first week will not present any difficulties; for others, on the contrary, it will take longer to adapt. In any case, if you decide to fast, then try it! Do everything wisely and listen to your body!

Lent in 2018 begins on Monday, February 19th. We'll tell you what you can eat during Lent before Easter according to the monastic rules, and how to eat it correctly.

Lent in Orthodoxy serves as the preparation of the soul for the celebration of Easter, which in 2018 falls on April 8.

According to church regulations, during Lent it is forbidden to eat products of animal origin - meat, milk, eggs, fish. But some days there may be relaxations. The Great Lent Nutrition Calendar, which is published on this page, will help you keep your fast correctly. This is a period of humility of the soul and renunciation of bodily joys.

Orthodoxy has special dietary rules during Lent.

How to eat healthy during Lent - 2018

Lent is considered strict. According to church regulations, during Lent it is forbidden to eat products of animal origin, such as meat, milk, eggs and fish. Accordingly, derivatives from these products, such as sour cream, cottage cheese and others, are also prohibited.

Moreover, according to the strict monastic rules, from Monday to Friday, if there is no holiday on these days, they also do not eat vegetable oil! Refusal of oil is dry eating, that is, eating without “oil,” as the clergy call oil. On Saturdays and Sundays of fasting, vegetable oil is allowed.

During Lent you are allowed to eat fish only twice: on the Annunciation Holy Mother of God and on Palm Sunday. On Lazarus Saturday you can eat caviar.

The strictest fast falls on the first day of Lent - Clean Monday - and the penultimate day - Good Friday. It is recommended to spend these days without food!

How to properly observe Lent in 2018

When planning to observe Lent, we must remember that the purpose of refusing food is not to harm the body, but only to tame desires. Therefore, fasting is softened in relation to the sick, pregnant and lactating women, as well as travelers - those who undergo additional physical activity during this period.

We must remember that the rules of Lent do not apply to medications because they are not food. For example, if your doctor prescribed you special diet, which uses butter, milk or eggs, then you cannot refuse it during fasting. By eating all these foods, a sick person does not indulge in gluttony, but is healed!

Remember that, according to doctors, Fasting is strictly contraindicated for people with stomach ulcers, gastritis, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, and renal failure. In addition, patients with metabolic disorders, suffering from diseases such as diabetes mellitus, pancreatitis, gout, anemia, transition to plant foods can also be dangerous.

Consult with both your doctor and priest, tell them about your spiritual and physical condition and ask for blessings for fasting in one form or another.

What you can eat during Lent in 2018 by day: nutrition calendar

February 20 – Tuesday. Refrain from food. For those who have health problems, as well as for the elderly, bread and kvass are allowed on Tuesday after Vespers. You can eat bread with salt and drink water or kvass (optional)

February 21 – Wednesday. Dry eating: bread, water, herbs, raw, dried or soaked vegetables and fruits (one dish to choose from). Dill infusion or decoction of berries/fruits with honey. Food is taken once a day, during the day.

February 24 – Saturday. Baked or boiled food with vegetable oil twice a day. Olives and black olives are acceptable. Allowed in small quantities grape wine without alcohol and sugar, diluted in hot water, but abstinence from wine is recommended.

February 25 – Hot food, passed heat treatment, i.e. boiled, baked, etc. With vegetable oil and wine (one bowl 200g) twice a day. Pure grape wine without alcohol and sugar, mostly diluted hot water. At the same time, abstaining from wine is highly commendable.

February 26 – Monday. Dry eating: bread, water, greens, raw, dried or soaked vegetables and fruits (for example: raisins, olives, nuts, figs - one of these every time). Once a day, around 15.00.

February 27 – Tuesday. Hot food that has been cooked, i.e. boiled, baked, etc. No oil. Once a day, around 15.00.

February 28 – Wednesday. Dry eating: bread, water, greens, raw, dried or soaked vegetables and fruits (for example: raisins, olives, nuts, figs - one of these every time). Once a day, around 15.00.

March 1 – Thursday. Hot food that has been cooked, i.e. boiled, baked, etc. With vegetable oil and wine (one bowl 200 g). Once a day, around 15.00. Pure grape wine without alcohol and sugar, preferably diluted with hot water. At the same time, abstaining from wine is highly commendable.

March 2 – Friday. Dry eating: bread, water, greens, raw, dried or soaked vegetables and fruits (for example: raisins, olives, nuts, figs - one of these every time). Once a day, around 15.00.

March 3 – Saturday. Hot food that has been cooked, i.e. boiled, baked, etc. With vegetable oil and wine (one bowl 200g) twice a day. Pure grape wine without alcohol and sugar, preferably diluted with hot water. At the same time, abstaining from wine is highly commendable.

March 4 – Sunday. Hot food that has been cooked, i.e. boiled, baked, etc. With vegetable oil

March 5 – Monday. Dry eating: bread, water, greens, raw, dried or soaked vegetables and fruits (for example: raisins, olives, nuts, figs - one of these every time). Once a day, around 15.00.

March 6 – Tuesday. Hot food that has been cooked, i.e. boiled, baked, etc. No oil. Once a day, around 15.00.

March 7 – Wednesday. Dry eating: bread, water, greens, raw, dried or soaked vegetables and fruits (for example: raisins, olives, nuts, figs - one of these every time). Once a day, around 15.00.

March 8 – Thursday. Hot food that has been cooked, i.e. boiled, baked, etc. No oil. Once a day, around 15.00.

March 9 – Friday. Finding the head of John the Baptist (first and second discovery) - Orthodox holiday in honor of the most revered part of the relics of John the Baptist - his head. Dry eating: bread, water, greens, raw, dried or soaked vegetables and fruits (for example: raisins, olives, nuts, figs - one of these every time). Once a day, around 15.00.

March 10 – Saturday. Hot food that has been cooked, i.e. boiled, baked, etc. With vegetable oil and wine (one bowl 200g) twice a day. Pure grape wine without alcohol and sugar, preferably diluted with hot water. At the same time, abstaining from wine is highly commendable.

March 11 – Sunday. The third week of Lent (third Sunday day of fasting) is the Worship of the Cross. On this day, they read traditions, consecrate prosphyra, do not work, visit churches to venerate the cross, reflect on the concept of “carrying one’s cross,” and fast (with the consumption of boiled oil and wine).

March 12 – Monday. Dry eating: bread, water, greens, raw, dried or soaked vegetables and fruits (for example: raisins, olives, nuts, figs - one of these every time). Once a day, around 15.00.

March 13 – Tuesday. Hot food that has been cooked, i.e. boiled, baked, etc. No oil. Once a day, around 15.00.

March 15 – Thursday. Hot food that has been cooked, i.e. boiled, baked, etc. No oil. Once a day, around 15.00.

March 16 – Friday. Dry eating: bread, water, greens, raw, dried or soaked vegetables and fruits (for example: raisins, olives, nuts, figs - one of these every time). Once a day, around 15.00.

March 17 – Saturday. Hot food that has been cooked, i.e. boiled, baked, etc. With vegetable oil and wine (one bowl 200g) twice a day. Pure grape wine without alcohol and sugar, preferably diluted with hot water. At the same time, abstaining from wine is highly commendable.

March 18 – Sunday. Fourth week of Lent (fourth Sunday of fasting). Hot food that has been cooked, i.e. boiled, baked, etc. With vegetable oil and wine (one bowl 200g) twice a day. Pure grape wine without alcohol and sugar, preferably diluted with hot water. At the same time, abstaining from wine is highly commendable.

March 19 – Monday. Dry eating: bread, water, greens, raw, dried or soaked vegetables and fruits (for example: raisins, olives, nuts, figs - one of these every time). Once a day, around 15.00.

March 20 – Tuesday. Hot food that has been cooked, i.e. boiled, baked, etc. No oil. Once a day, around 15.00.

March 21 – Wednesday. Dry eating: bread, water, greens, raw, dried or soaked vegetables and fruits (for example: raisins, olives, nuts, figs - one of these every time). Once a day, around 15.00.

March 22 – Thursday. Memorial Day of the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste. Standing Rev. Mary of Egypt. On Standing Rev. Mary of Egypt - hot food without oil.

March 23 – Friday Dry eating: bread, water, herbs, raw, dried or soaked vegetables and fruits (for example: raisins, olives, nuts, figs – one of these every time). Once a day, around 15.00.

March 24 – Saturday. Hot food that has been cooked, i.e. boiled, baked, etc. With vegetable oil and wine (one bowl 200g) twice a day. Pure grape wine without alcohol and sugar, preferably diluted with hot water. At the same time, abstaining from wine is highly commendable.

March 25 – Sunday. Hot food that has been cooked, i.e. boiled, baked, etc. With vegetable oil and wine (one bowl 200g) twice a day. Pure grape wine without alcohol and sugar, preferably diluted with hot water. At the same time, abstaining from wine is highly commendable.

March 26 – Monday. Dry eating: bread, water, greens, raw, dried or soaked vegetables and fruits (for example: raisins, olives, nuts, figs - one of these every time). Once a day, around 15.00.

March 27 – Tuesday. Hot food that has been cooked, i.e. boiled, baked, etc. No oil. Once a day, around 15.00.

March 28 – Wednesday. Dry eating: bread, water, greens, raw, dried or soaked vegetables and fruits (for example: raisins, olives, nuts, figs - one of these every time). Once a day, around 15.00.

March 29 – Thursday. Hot food that has been cooked, i.e. boiled, baked, etc. No oil. Once a day, around 15.00.

March 31 – Saturday. Lazarev Saturday. Allowed fish roe up to 100 gr. Hot food that has been cooked, i.e. boiled, baked, etc. With vegetable oil and wine (one bowl 200g) twice a day. Pure grape wine without alcohol and sugar, preferably diluted with hot water. At the same time, abstaining from wine is highly commendable.

April 1 – Sunday. Sixth week of Lent (sixth Sunday of fasting). Fish is allowed. Hot food that has been cooked, i.e. boiled, baked, etc. With vegetable oil and wine (one bowl 200g) twice a day. Pure grape wine without alcohol and sugar, preferably diluted with hot water. At the same time, abstaining from wine is highly commendable.

Fasting is a custom followed by a considerable part of the religious population for pious purposes. It involves intermittent abstinence from food and drink and is associated with some spiritual activity. For Orthodox people fasting is the period of the highest union with the Lord in Confession of blessed Communion. How to fast? A question immediately arises for beginners. Further, this article will tell you about this.

What's the point

Its essence is that a person first decides to deprive himself of a certain meal, fun and connections with the world so that his spirit is freed from sins. True abstinence is not only the restriction of food, but also the renunciation of anger, bad speech, lies, rage and addictions. During the days of Great Lent, people try not to commit wrongdoing and not to deviate from all the commandments of God in order to gain forgiveness. Now in more detail about how to fast correctly.

Duration of fasting

This abstinence lasts a long time - seven whole weeks. How can you fast for so long? Yes, and still withstand it? Many, of course, ask such questions. However, any devout person is required to follow strict dietary requirements for approximately two months. During this period, any beginner can repeatedly try to finish the job he started. But there is no way to throw him away.

They perceive fasting as torture. But only by overcoming it can you gain power. Therefore, by aiming for a favorable order and with a wonderful attitude, it is quite possible to endure the entire fast.

The main conditions for fasting

Let's figure it out. There are certain rules for fasting before Easter. It is very important to understand that all the prohibitions during abstinence are not limited to food products only. There are also other restrictions in some circles of life:

What products are prohibited?

There are foods that cannot be eaten during Lent. But how to observe Lent correctly and at the same time eat well? There is an answer. First, you need to try to involve the whole family in this - this will make it much easier to stick to all the routines. So, what products should you turn a blind eye to:

1. Unattainable food includes, first of all, meat and products made from it. These are dumplings, steaks, cutlets, frankfurters, sausages (although they contain almost no meat). Rabbit, chicken, and beef will also fall under the taboo.
2. You will also have to wait a bit with the eggs. True, how to observe the Easter fast if you usually eat your favorite dish for breakfast - an omelet?
3. It will not be easy for fans of dairy products such as kefir, yoghurts and milk, since this category of products is also strictly prohibited. This type also includes creams, condensed milk, sour cream, cream and other dishes that contain at least a minimal proportion of processed milk.
4. Many also think about how to fast without sunflower, cream and olive oil. This may further discourage those who are about to start fasting.
5. It will probably be just a shock for most that their favorite fish will not be on the table either. There should be no carp, bream, crucian carp or salmon on it.

Horrified by such harsh rules, one can immediately imagine that the possibility of consuming everything is lost. necessary products for such a long period. But this is far from true. The menu also includes vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts and much more. Now about them in more detail.

with good products

As stated earlier, the most stringent requirements of Lent affect the initial and final weeks. The middle of abstinence is also full of various difficulties and trials.

Only dry food is allowed (without the addition of various sauces and oils), which can be eaten during the first, fourth, and seventh weeks. All foods placed on the table during these weeks should be eaten cold or at room temperature. On other days, you can comfortably eat boiled vegetables, as well as other steamed foods.

Only dry food is allowed.

On Saturday, just before Easter, you are allowed to eat boiled food.

During all seven weeks, fish is allowed on weekends. But it must be ordinary, that is, live in local lakes, not imported.

Without breaking your fast, you need to develop your own routine - eat food exactly at the appointed hours. And you must not forget to drink water in any volume.

Acceptable and unacceptable drinks

How to observe Lent without violating the order of drinking certain drinks? After all, teas, coffee, fruit drinks, juices, beer, vodka, wine and fermented milk drinks are drunk all over the planet all the time.

It is clear that dairy and juice drinks containing milk are definitely not allowed.

Regarding tea and coffee, there is the importance of abstinence. It is better to reduce their consumption for two days. Do you feel like you can’t live without them? Then you should overcome it, and fasting is very suitable for this.

Definitely, all the various jelly, juices, fruit drinks and compotes can be drunk, even necessary. You should also not ignore drinks that are beneficial for the body, such as cranberry juice.

How to fast without alcohol? Here, as with coffee and tea, some are allowed to take them, others are obliged to restrain themselves. Church regulations allow the laity to drink grape wine on weekends.

Follow the post or not

Based on the above, any person will be able to decide on the decision to observe fasting. But how to observe Lent, adhering to all the rules and not giving up halfway? Here you also need to know and remember that strict adherence to fasting is offered by the temple of God itself only to monastic persons, and the laity must decide for themselves to what extent they are prepared to observe abstinence. The main thing is conscious restraint from pleasure. There are people who don't even watch entertainment TV shows. And that’s why it’s important to know not only about the prohibitions, but also about the spiritual component of fasting.

Based on these actions, there will be no need to ask questions about what is required to eat during Lent and what to refuse, having set these restrictions for yourself independently and following the instructions of the church.

Who can't fast

Abstinence is also a test of the weakness of the modern people. How to observe fasting correctly, how not to violate its prohibitions? Many people do not even want to delve into these issues, continuing to poison their body with junk food, ruining their health. For any person, there is a whole problem of removing chips, processed foods, sweets and much more from their diet. But Lent is given to humanity to rethink important things in life.

Before starting the fast, it would be a good idea to visit a doctor. Since people suffering from diseases gastrointestinal tract and ulcers, it is harmful to change your food preferences to more strict ones.

Pregnant women, as well as those who have just given birth, should not completely adhere to strict fasting. From certain products they should refrain, but without harming the baby.

A person must consciously come to the intention of fasting individually. And how to observe fasting before Easter, when to come to this and how to take this far from easy step towards self-purification - everything will depend only on the believer himself.

The word “fast” is familiar to most people and includes more meaning than just refusing to eat. By resorting to it, a person manages not only to rid himself of excess weight, and some, it must be said, mistakenly see the meaning of fasting precisely in this, but also to cleanse the soul. Therefore, giving up excess food is just a minor condition. The main thing a person should adhere to is the renunciation of bad thoughts and actions; all of them during Lent should be pure and pleasant for others. Should be excluded:

• bad words
• anger,
• restraint must be exercised in everything,
• don't gossip
• don't lie and much more.

All this will help you observe fasting and cleanse your soul of evil. In a word, the main goal of this brightest and purifying period in the Christian calendar is to give a person the opportunity to get rid of everything vicious. If a person was able to limit himself in consuming this or that food, but was unable or unwilling to change nothing in his thoughts and practical affairs, then he can hardly be considered to have passed the test. If spiritual cleansing did not occur, then the feat of repentance did not happen.

In addition to restrictions on food and food, which is considered a passive action, during this period a person also needs to be active. We must not forget about prayer and visiting church at this time. Every day during this Lent you need to prepare your mental and physical state for the most significant holiday in the religious world, Easter.

Lent: what's the point?

Lent 2018 is significant for the special nature of services and prayers. It is dedicated to a 40-day fast, which is what the Savior observed in the desert.

Everyone must bring repentance and devote themselves to the memory of how Jesus Christ lived, for whose sake he went to martyrdom. To deeply understand the meaning of fasting, one should turn to what is said in the Holy Scriptures. Where it is said that, led by the Spirit, Jesus was subjected to terrible temptations in the desert - he refused food for forty days. The Savior consciously made these sacrifices in the name of saving our souls. From this we can conclude about the essence of Lent - it is dedicated to Jesus, and the last week of this important period for every believer - the torment and death of the Savior.

When to start fasting?

As already noted, one of the most important posts Lent, which will take place in 2018, is recognized. This is due not only to the fact that it is the longest in terms of the number of days, but to a greater extent it precedes the main church holiday - Easter. That is why those who truly love God must prepare for this church celebration with all thoroughness. When does fasting begin? It starts 7 weeks before the main event church holiday- Easter. And more precisely, for six weeks and Holy Week (the last seven days), when it is especially strictly necessary to observe abstinence from all the listed foods and pleasures of the flesh. To determine its specific date, you need to know the date of the Great Day. The duration of the fast is forty-nine days. This responsible event should begin on February 19. This means that from this day on it will be necessary to strictly comply with all abstinence from food and bodily pleasures necessary for fasting. This abstinence will continue until April 7 inclusive. After which believers will receive a reward for their feat in the name of the Savior. On April 8, the entire Orthodox world will celebrate the holiday of Easter.

Preparation for fasting

As already mentioned, this significant event begins on the nineteenth of February. This is not just a date - it carries a beginning important changes everyday life, and this applies not only to an individual family, but to the entire society. According to the church institution, during Lent, prayers of believers and clergy will be performed for every person on earth, regardless of what religion he adheres to, for the world as a whole. They will help deliver humanity from wars, the Fall, hostility on racial and religious grounds, sin, lies, and establish peace between nations.

However, it should be recognized that not every person knows that they need to prepare themselves in advance for fasting, and indeed about the basic rules of this sacrament. This means that it will be difficult for such people, without anyone’s help or advice, to independently prepare themselves for such an important action as fasting. In order not only to begin a fast correctly, but also to exit it, good knowledge is required. Therefore, ignorant people should first study all the Lenten canons in order to actually, and not imaginary, cleanse themselves from the anger and hostility that still inhabit our sinful souls.

The most important basics need to be covered correct observance Great Lent. This will allow you to correctly navigate and choose the right and correct method for yourself. The first thing we should probably talk about is food restrictions.

The Easter post is not only this one, about which we're talking about now, but both those that were earlier and those that will be later require compliance with certain rules of limited nutrition. According to them, one must at least strictly follow church rules However, one should not show excessive zeal to follow all the prohibitions thoughtlessly. After all, many believers are simply unable to fulfill the requirements of fasting for a number of reasons, which quite often simply do not depend on them. This may be due to poor health, feeding infant and many others.

What are the ideal criteria for food allowed for consumption and the frequency of meals?

• Church rules say that you need to eat lean food only once a day.
• On Sundays and Saturdays, you can indulge in a little wine and vegetable oil twice a day.

It's not necessary that Lenten dishes served to create culinary masterpieces. There should be simplicity in everything, not sophistication, including food. Since, by and large, Lent cannot be called a holiday; on the contrary, it is difficult work to perfect one’s spirit and body.

However, you absolutely should not force yourself to endure food restrictions beyond what you are capable of. Fasting like this is not only harmful to health, but also, in fact, a waste of time, since a person does not become spiritually rich from this, focusing only on an insurmountable struggle. Self-torture often leads to weakness of the body; there is no time for spiritual achievements. Everything should be approached wisely, the same applies to food and much more.

Post currently

In our fast-paced age, when we are all subject to various kinds of stress at every step, and products are not always of good quality, it is quite difficult to fast, but nevertheless, it is quite possible. What needs to be done to fast correctly? What can and cannot be eaten? Everyone probably knows well that at this time you can eat boiled and stewed vegetables. In this case you can use:

• cabbage and all its varieties;
• potato;
• beets;
• carrot;
• Jerusalem artichoke;
• pepper;
• cucumber;
• tomatoes;
• legumes;
• green onions, as well as onions;
• greens including salads and more.

All of these products can be used to make great meals, purees and more. If believers try to apply new recipes every day, then this will only be beneficial and the restrictions associated with fasting will no longer seem so burdensome. Nowadays, you can fast using porridge, of course, with one condition: they should not be fatty. Here you just need to be able to cook them tasty.

You can also use recipes based on cereal crops. They will help reliably replenish the existing imbalance of individual elements and minerals in your diet. And in order to make food not only healthy, but also tasty, you should not be afraid of experiments in preparing dishes; try to combine many things, even those that you previously thought were not compatible products. You will find it very interesting. And, of course, in this excellent helpers there will be various spices, them now great variety, and they are very affordable.

There are no problems currently purchasing berries and fruits. Regular apples, citrus fruits (oranges, tangerines, etc.), and grapes are quite suitable for fasting. Frozen berries are perfect, these can be cranberries, cherries, plums and even exotic apricots. For those believers who are engaged in heavy physical labor or play sports, to compensate for protein deficiency, you can prepare dishes from legumes or mushrooms. And they can be very different, ranging from wonderful soups, gravies, to schnitzels and chops. You can also add variety to flour products by preparing lavash, flatbread, and bran bread. It is not prohibited to eat sweet, but modest foods during fasting. For example, it would be great to fast:

• cranberries in sugar;
• oatmeal cookies;
• kazinaki;
• bitter chocolate.

Drinks you can drink:

• jelly;
• compote;
• fruit drink;
• medicinal teas infused with herbs.

There is no time for fun and idleness

Fasting before Easter is the believer’s work on himself. Days of awareness and control of the situation, they should carry repentance and peace. In general, these are quite difficult tasks, but feasible tasks for those who intend to fast. There is no need to succumb to any persuasion or temptations at this time, not to participate or to appear as the organizers of any magnificent celebrations and large feasts. An ascetic image and observance of the commandments should become the norm.

What is prohibited to do during Lent:

• drink alcohol;
• use narcotic substances;
• engage in smoking tobacco.
• indulge in idleness or despondency.

If for some reason you could not resist an aggressive act, showed anger towards your neighbor, you had a feeling of envy or greed, you must definitely repent. Gluttony cannot be allowed. Married and unmarried couples should abstain from sexual activity.

Some people ask questions, for example, is it forbidden to get married during Lent? Here it must be said that clergy have a negative attitude towards holding weddings at this time. However, regular marriage registration is not prohibited, but a church wedding is unlikely to take place. There is no need to just organize feasts and celebrations. For more complete cleansing and the concept of his essence, the believer needs to limit his body from unnecessary fun and noisy feasts. During this period, solitude will only be beneficial.

Objectives of the post

As already mentioned, the Easter fast of 2018 is about working on yourself. You have to give up many entertainments and amusements, familiar and satisfying food and the like. Of course, the question involuntarily arises: who needs this, and for what purpose do we have to comply with all these restrictions? There can be only one answer - by doing this we show love to God by approaching him. Only in this ascetic way can a believer focus on his inner world, without being distracted by many vain problems, and better understand himself, evaluate his life and determine righteous thoughts for the future.

Wandering through the desert, the Savior fasted for 40 days; he was able to overcome all the temptations of his ill-wisher. We should only refrain from the excesses that are present in life, thereby cleansing our soul and body with repentance and prayers. This gives a person the strength to strengthen faith and maintain love throughout the year. It is by pacifying passions and involuntary sins that everyone enlightens their path and the mind of the spirit. Observing Lent is not only gratitude to God, but also real salvation for the believer.

Fasting cannot be real if you do not read prayers every day. After all, these have always been two inseparable actions - fasting and prayer. During this period, you must not only read all the main prayers at home, but also be sure to attend all morning and evening services. At the same time, the believer must read the prayer from Ephraim the Syrian, which everyone should have on their list of prayers, as it is considered the main prayer during Lent.

Visiting temples

Just like prayer, for any believer fasting cannot be separated from the Liturgy. It is read weekly on Sundays in churches. Everyone who has entered into fasting should consider it obligatory to attend church on Sundays. It should also become a rule to attend church during the week, especially this should be observed in the first and passionate, that is, the last week of Lent.

Communion and Confession

These sacraments conceal the believer’s deep understanding of his destiny. By achieving spiritual and bodily cleansing, a person brings repentance for sins to the Savior, thereby forming a faithful observance of Great Lent. On these important days, everyone should devote time to confession and communion. In each point of the rules of fasting there are no secondary actions; each one carries divine meaning and purpose.

Reading the Gospel

Previously, knowledge of the entire Gospel was considered normal, and reading before fasting was the responsibility of every believer. This should have been done even by those who had read it in its entirety many times. For people who have entered into fasting, the Gospel should play the role of a spiritual mentor and be a reference book. After all, it contains a huge layer of knowledge accumulated by humanity, and wisdom that was connected together.

Of course, as mentioned above, not everyone will be able to withstand the strict church requirements of fasting, according to various reasons. But this does not mean that such a believer will lose the opportunity to approach God. Each of us may be sick, or have some kind of shortcomings or weaknesses, and in this situation some adjustment will be required when entering the post. To make it easier to understand how to correctly observe the rules of fasting for a particular believer, because everyone may have different opportunities, you should turn to church ministers for help. They will always meet and give necessary advice, which will help you pass this sacrament correctly and wisely.

Lent nutrition calendar for 2018

The very word “fasting” already suggests that nutrition during this period will be significantly different from what a person had in the past. ordinary days, primarily by restricting the consumption of certain products. In addition to this, fasting days should be eaten strictly. certain time. Below we will talk about the features of fasting nutrition by day, which are included both in the first three weeks of fasting and in the following weeks:

The triumph of Orthodoxy. This is what they call the first week of fasting. IN this period believers honor the memory of all who laid down their lives for Orthodox faith, and true believers at this time are remembered and honored.

• 02/19/2018 (Monday) – you must devote this day to complete abstinence from eating any food.
• 02.20-23.2018 (Tuesday-Friday) – during these four days, believers must adhere to dry eating. Here you need to comply the following restrictions: can be consumed raw foods non-hot drinks, such as vegetables, honey, nuts, as well as dried fruits, bread and water.
• 24-25.02. 2018 (Saturday-Sunday) - on these two days, believers who adhere to fasting can eat boiled food and add oils to it. And also drink wine.

In memory of Gregory Palamas. This week, which is the second during Lent, is dedicated to the memory of the saint. Believers should remember him throughout the second week.

• 02/26/2018 (Monday), 02/28/2018 (Wednesday), 03/2/2018 (Friday). During these three days, believers must strictly observe the restrictions. They consist in the fact that you should adhere to dry eating.
• 02/27/2018 (Tuesday) and 03/1/2018 (Thursday). On these days you can taste boiled food, but you should not add oil to it.
• 03/03/2018 and 03/04/2018 (Saturday, Sunday) - on these days, as a rule, every believer is allowed to taste boiled food with butter, as well as drink wine.

Week of the Cross. This is what the third week of Lent is called.

• 03/5/2018 (Monday), 7.03. 2018 (Wednesday) and 03/9/2018 (Friday). These three days of March should be devoted exclusively to dry eating by believers.
• 03/06/2018 (Tuesday) and 03/08/2018 (Thursday) - these two days are intended for fasting exclusively for boiled food. It is not recommended to add oil to it.
• 03/10/2018 and 03/11/2018 (Saturday and Sunday) – on these weekends, believers can afford hot food and wine.

Nutrition calendar for the coming weeks

• 12.03. (Monday), 14.03. (Wednesday) and 03/16/2018 (Friday). For three days in March you should observe dry eating.
• 13.03. (Tuesday) and 03/15/2018 (Thursday) - on these two days you can only eat boiled food with butter.
• 17.03 and 18.03 (Saturday and Sunday). As always, on weekends, believers can treat themselves to hot food with butter and also drink wine.
• 19.03. (Monday), 21.03. (Wednesday), 03/23/2018 (Friday). It is allowed to eat bread, as well as vegetables and fruits in in different forms: fresh, soaked or dried.
• 20.03. (Tuesday), 03/22/2018 (Thursday). You can eat boiled food with butter.
• 24.03. and 03/25/2018 (Saturday and Sunday). Hot food flavored with butter is allowed, as well as wine.
• 26.03. (Monday), 28.03. (Wednesday), 03/30/2018 (Friday). It is recommended to eat only bread, vegetables and fruits in different forms.
• 27.03. (Tuesday) and March 29, 2018 (Thursday) – believers eat boiled food and caviar.
• 31.03. – April 1, 2018 (Saturday and Sunday) – on these Sundays, in addition to the usual diet, it is allowed to eat fish.

Holy Week. This week is considered the most important week of Lent.

• 2.04. (Monday), 3.04. (Tuesday), 4.04. (Wednesday) and 04/05/2018 (Thursday) - these days are reserved for dry eating.
• 04/06/2018 (Friday) – on this day, believers completely refuse to eat food.
• 04/7/2018 (Saturday) – dry eating day.

In conclusion

As already mentioned, in 2018 Lent will last from February (19) to April (7), during which time believers will be able to go through not only physical, but also spiritual cleansing.

Rules for fasting before Easter

ORTHODOX CALENDAR
WEEK > ABOUT MULTI-DAY FASTS

IN Orthodox calendar available special days- days of fasting. The most important one is Lent, in 2018 - from February 19 to April 7. The next one happens every year before the feast of the Supreme Apostles Peter and Paul. This is one of four multi-day bequeathed fasts named in memory of the Apostle Peter. The duration of Peter's Lent depends on Easter and in 2018 will be 39 days, from June 4 to July 12.
We observe the next multi-day fast from August 14 to 28, this is the Assumption Fast. And at the end of the year, from November 28 to January 6, the Nativity (Filippov) fast continues.

In its essence, fasting is a feat and is associated with faith and boldness; it is an impulse of the soul seeking purity, striving to overcome its sinfulness and free the spirit from slavery to the body. “Whoever does not love fasting,” say the saints, “is lazy, negligent, and powerless for other deeds, and thereby shows the relaxation of his soul, unable to tame the sinful impulses of the flesh and control it.”

The main task of the post is repentance, contrition for sins. A modern person devotes a lot of time to his body: every day he takes a shower, using a variety of shampoos, soaps, deodorants, and anoints his body with creams. What about our soul? She also needs cleansing, which is only possible through repentance in confession. Let's imagine for one minute that we wash only once a year or even less often. But this is exactly what we do in relation to the soul - our main treasure given to us by God. The body will die, but the soul will live forever. Let us remember this during the days of the Nativity Fast and accomplish each of our small feats in the name of Christ.

Fasting is intense prayer for the sick and suffering. Only then does fasting have a spiritual meaning when it is combined with prayer, acts of mercy, and abstinence from pleasures. These days you need to limit yourself in entertainment and generally try to avoid it.

Petrov and Nativity fasts are not as strict as the Great or Assumption fasts. But even on his days they do not eat meat, dairy products, eggs, and on Wednesday and Friday they do not eat fish. After the day of remembrance of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, December 19, fish is eaten only on Saturday and Sunday, and from January 2 it is not eaten until the holiday itself.

The power and effectiveness of fasting can be assessed by the strength of depriving oneself of something and the sacrifice. It is known that from lean food you can prepare delicious dishes and thus, to some extent, satisfy your lust and greed. We must remember that it is indecent for someone who repents of his sins to eat sweet and plentiful foods during fasting.

You need to know the measure of fasting. For physically healthy people, the basis of fasting is considered to be abstinence from food. Here we can distinguish several degrees of physical fasting: abstinence from meat; refusal of dairy; refusal of fish; refusal of oil; depriving yourself of food for any period of time. Naturally, only healthy people can go to the last stages of fasting and with the blessing of the priest. But even in abstinence it is necessary to show prudence and prudence. One saint compared our body to a donkey, which if you overfeed, it will start kicking, and if you don’t feed it, it may die of hunger. According to Cassian the Roman, “extremes on both sides are equally harmful - both excess of fasting and satiety of the belly.” The saint said that by overly tiring yourself with fasting, you can fall into the passion of gluttony. Moreover, immoderate abstinence is more harmful than satiety, since it leads to impotence.

If a person fasts so much that he can no longer pray due to bodily weakness, then this means that the rational line has been left far behind. As the hermit Nicephorus said, the Lord requires not hunger, but heroic deeds. Feat is what a person can do the greatest within his own strength, and the rest is by grace. Our strength is now weak, and the Lord does not require great feats from us.

General rule abstinence is that everyone, in accordance with their strength, body condition and age, should eat as much food as is needed to maintain health, and not as much as the desire for satiety requires. We can observe the measure of fasting by eating at a certain time and not allowing ourselves to snack on the go (by the way, doctors also advise the same). Let's not forget the advice of Rev. Anthony the Great: “Eat the simplest and cheapest food.”

Those breaking the fast due to illness or other weakness, it should be remembered that there may also be some degree of lack of faith and intemperance. We need to be honest with ourselves: when we refuse to fast for fear of weakening our health, we show morbid suspiciousness and lack of faith. If possible, consult with the priest on how you should observe fasting; if this is not possible, rely on your strength.

In cases where, due to illness or a large lack of food, a person cannot comply with the usual norms of fasting, then let him do everything he can in this regard, for example: give up all entertainment, TV, sweets or favorite foods, will fast at least on Wednesday and Friday.

The Lord commands hide your post from others. If, by chance, you find yourself visiting and you are served a quick meal, condescend to those who are treating you and thereby preserve your love. We should not reproach others for neglecting fasting. The following incident was told about the Moscow Metropolitan Filaret. One day he came to his spiritual children just in time for lunch. Meat was served at the table, although it was a fast day. The Metropolitan showed no sign and, without embarrassing the hosts, tasted what was served.

It happens that not everyone in the family adheres to fasting. Do not reproach your loved ones: fasting is voluntary, perhaps the time will come when they will know the sweetness of abstinence.

For an Orthodox believer who gives priority to the soul over the body, fasting is always desirable. He perceives the time of abstinence with spiritual joy. Anyone who has at least once attempted to fast, and not for the sake of losing weight, but for the sake of God, knows how joyful this state is.

Great Lent - preparation for the Light Christ's Resurrection(Easter) through repentance and deepening of spiritual life. This is the longest of all multi-day fasts. During this time, the charter of the Orthodox Church prescribes abstinence from meat and dairy products, as well as eggs and fish (in case of illness, an indulgence can be made, the extent of which is determined together with the confessor). However, we must remember that the main content of fasting is abstinence from all evil and the struggle for the healing of the soul. He is one of the most effective weapons in spiritual warfare (Matt. 17:21). “Child of God! Let your mind fast from vain thoughts; let your will fast from evil desire; let your eyes fast from evil vision; Let your ears be kept from vile songs and slanderous whispers; let your tongue fast from slander, condemnation, lies, flattery and foul language; let your hands fast from beating and stealing other people's property; let your feet fast from doing evil deeds.” This is the idea of ​​one of the Lenten texts read in churches. Without all this, fasting becomes a diet.

The prayers of Great Lent are characterized by a repentant mood; at all services it is read repentance prayer St. Ephraim the Syrian. On Wednesdays and Fridays, as well as on Monday and Tuesday of Holy Week and on Thursday of the fifth week, the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is celebrated (except on the day good friday); Liturgy is not celebrated on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. During the first four days of Great Lent, the Great Canon of St. is read at Compline. Andrey Kritsky.

Lent lasts six weeks + Holy Week, beginning no earlier than February 15 and ending no later than May 7 inclusive, depending on the date of Easter. The first six weeks of Lent until Friday of the sixth week are called “Holy Pentecost.” Each of the six weeks of Pentecost (ends on Friday of the sixth week, on the eve of Lazarus Saturday) in the month's book is named by a serial number: 1st week of Great Lent, 2nd week of Great Lent, etc. - and ends with a Week (Sunday). Each Week is dedicated to the memory of a saint (or an event from the history of the Church). Thus, a chain of thoughts and feelings is built that helps those fasting to gradually realize what changes should occur in the soul and how to achieve this.

The starting point on this path is the Week of Cheese, dedicated to the remembrance of Adam’s expulsion from paradise and understanding of its cause. This Sunday is also called Forgiveness Sunday, since in the evening on this day the Rite of Forgiveness is performed in churches. Entering the path of returning to our spiritual homeland, desiring forgiveness of our sins, we must fulfill the words of the Savior about the need to reconcile with those who have offended us and those who have offended us.

The path of a correctly comprehended Lenten “spiritual spring” leads us to the Bright Resurrection of Christ. In 2018, EASTER will be celebrated on April 8 according to the new style.

Fasting existed during the Old Testament, Christians began to fast from the very foundation of the Church. The oldest church writers claim that the apostles established the first 40-day fast in imitation of the prophet Moses and the Savior, who fasted for 40 days in the desert. This is where the name of Great Lent came from - Lent. Church historians believe that the form in which Lent exists today developed gradually and finally took shape when it became a custom to baptize converts on Easter and prepare them to receive the Sacrament through a long fast. Out of a sense of brotherhood and love, all believers began to take part in this fast together with them.

Already in the 4th century, Lent existed everywhere. The fast was very strict. The ancient Christian writer Tertullian says that only bread, dried vegetables and fruits were allowed, and then not before the evening. We didn’t even drink water during the day. In the East, dry eating persisted until the 12th century. Any joy and fun was considered a violation of fasting. The general rule was to abstain from stimulating foods and consume even permitted foods in moderation.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, the strict observance of fasting became firmly established in Russian society, becoming an integral part of the very religious life of the people. During the first week of Lent, the bustling Russian capital seemed to fall asleep. No one appeared on the street unnecessarily. Shops were closed for the first three days. No one was selling or buying, everyone was unmissably present at the service, wearing simple clothes. Orthodox Russian people with great love carried the feat of fasting. But it was much more difficult to abstain from alcoholic drinks. And in order to prevent drunkenness and revelry during Lent, the archers, by order of the tsar, sealed all drinking establishments, and they were closed until Easter Wednesday.

In addition to abstinence in food and drink, the regulations during fasting provided for intense prayer with bows. Thus, according to the Studio Charter, 240 bows to the ground. Large and medium bows were prescribed. According to the teachings of the holy fathers, bowing, like fasting, had the same task - “to languish your flesh, so that it does not fight against the spirit.”

Ancient preachers paid special attention to the reception of the Holy Mysteries; they exhorted believers to receive communion as often as possible in order to prevent the devil from gaining access to the soul. Historical documents testify that pious and God-fearing Christians partook of the Holy Mysteries every week of Lent.

The highest feat during Lent was considered to be showing mercy to one's neighbors. Every Christian was charged by the Church to show constant concern for his brothers who are in poverty. Alms to the poor in Rus' were considered as a necessary companion to fasting, giving it moral value.

Church Charter Ancient Rus' strictly prescribed the observance of purity of married life. Special abstinence was observed during Lent and before communion of the Holy Mysteries, according to the words of the Apostle Paul, who advised spouses to have abstinence by mutual consent during fasting and prayer.

A distinctive feature of the spiritual life of the Russian people was piety. The spiritual ideal of the people of that time was the “ascetic” monk, who completely devoted himself to serving God. Moreover, the monastic way of life was not something imposed from the outside, but, on the contrary, stemmed from the inner, heartfelt need of the deeply religious Russian people. External severity was only a manifestation of concentration on the internal “invisible” battle, the desire to cleanse oneself of all impurity for unity with God. Therefore, even within the framework of a strict way of life, Russian people felt natural, free and simple.

Lent is called Great Lent not only because of its duration, but also because of its significance for the soul of a Christian. The beginning of the establishment of Pentecost is the example of the forty-day fast in the desert of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, by performing a forty-day fast, we become not only imitators of Jesus Christ, but also partakers of saving Christ's Passion and His Bright Resurrection.

Great Lent is a strict fast. The Charter of the Orthodox Church even prohibits eating fish, except on the feasts of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos and the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem. The duration and severity of Lent causes some to fear for their bodily health, but the futility of these fears is confirmed by many ascetics of piety who carried out the feat of fasting throughout their lives, some of whom lived up to a hundred years or more. One example is St. Elijah of Egypt, who lived for 75 years on a desert mountain, in a rocky cave, and died at the age of 110. Abba Isaiah said that he who refines himself through abstinence approaches health.

However, abstaining from fast food is only a means, not a goal. The purpose of fasting is the fight against passions and those who kindle these passions in us, i.e. with the devil and his servants, whose generation "can only be driven out by prayer and fasting"(Matt. 17:21). Purification of the soul through the struggle with passions is necessary so that the Holy Spirit has the opportunity to dwell and act in our soul, sanctifying and adoring us. This is the meaning of Christian deed. According to St. Theophan the Recluse, fasting is all-round abstinence and all-round communion with God. All-round abstinence is abstinence not only from modest food, but also from various types of entertainment and pleasure, as well as bad habits. In this regard, fasting is available to everyone - sick and healthy, adults and children. All-round Communion with God is a constant connection with the Lord through church and home prayer and the Sacraments of the Church. It is very important to confess and partake of the Holy Mysteries of Christ several times during Lent. Without prayer and repentance, fasting has no value before God and is harmful to the soul.

It must be remembered that the measure of fasting is individual for each Christian. This means that you need to go through the fast with prudence. “Just as one must beware of satiety, one must also beware of excessive abstinence,” said St. Ignatius Brianchaninov. For everyone Orthodox Christian this measure is established by the confessor, who, as a rule, is the parish priest. If there is no possibility of personal communication with a priest, then one should at least be guided by the rule of the “golden mean”, i.e. do not abuse either the relaxation of fasting or its severity. You shouldn’t cancel your fast completely. It must be remembered that the first commandment to man in Paradise was the commandment to fast, and the violation of this commandment led to the catastrophe of Humanity.

Great Lent is distinguished from all other fasts by a special divine service. To make it easier to go through it, you should try to attend temple services as often as possible, the content of which will help a person tune in to a repentant mood. On the eve of Lent, on Sunday evening, a service with the rite of forgiveness is performed, which is why it is called Forgiveness resurrection. On this evening, Christians ask for forgiveness from all people, especially from those who hold a grudge against them.

On the first four days of Lent in the evening in the temple it is read Penitential canon St. Andrei Kritsky, who is rightly called great both in volume and, most importantly, in meaning. During the Holy Pentecost, Orthodox Christians abstain not only from carnal joys, but also from spiritual ones, therefore weekdays The usual liturgy is not served in the church. However, in order not to deprive her children of spiritual reinforcement, the Holy Church established the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts on Wednesday and Friday. All the services of Great Lent are, as it were, a guide to spiritual life, revealing to the Christian the boundless expanses of Divine Wisdom, if only the person himself would be willing to accept it with humility.

What is fasting and repentance for? The answer to this question is not easy. One thing is clear: any work must have its fruit. But how can we describe in human language something that cannot be described? Is it possible to fully convey, for example, the impressions of music, or of contemplating a picturesque landscape? Isn’t it easier to invite a person to listen or watch for himself? IN general outline we can say that fasting and repentance brings a person cleansing of conscience, peace and silence of the soul, joy from the consciousness of reconciliation with God and communication with Him, a deep awareness of oneself in the image of God and a child of the Creator. But a person can comprehend a deeper understanding of these things only by personally going through this path.

IN on a global scale all the benefits from fasting are transferred to the Universe. If a person is a microcosm, then the state of the Universe directly depends on the state of each of its particles. So, if we want the world around us not to strike us with cataclysms, and society not to be disturbed by immorality and crime, we must start with our spiritual revival, which is what Great Lent offers us. #9;

Priest Oleg Vilko,
rector of the Church of the Ascension in Pitkyaranta, 2012

“There is a bridge for seven miles; at the end of the bridge there is a golden mile,” - this is how in the old days they figuratively spoke about Great Lent - “a bridge of seven miles” (this fast lasts seven weeks), and about the Resurrection of Christ - “a golden mile.” Our conversation with the cleric of the Cathedral of the Exaltation of the Cross in Petrozavodsk, Archpriest Konstantin SAVANDER, is about the features and traditions of Lent:

– When and by whom was the post established?

- Back in Old Testament The Lord commanded the Israelites to tithe (that is, a tenth) of everything they acquired. By doing this, people received blessings in all their affairs. Knowing this, the Holy Apostles established a tenth of the year to be dedicated to God, so that we would be blessed in all our affairs and cleansed from the sins committed throughout the year.

– What is the main meaning of Lent?

– Lent precedes the days in which suffering, death and the Holy Resurrection of Christ are remembered, which gave hope for our resurrection eternal life. To fulfill this hope one must imitate the Savior in purity and holiness. We must pray all our lives, bear repentance, do deeds of mercy, and on days of fasting we need to work especially hard. Lent is a special time when a Christian works hard to cleanse his soul and body. He should give up entertainment: visits to the cinema, theater, concerts, and reduce television viewing as much as possible. It is necessary to exclude fast food from the menu - meat, milk, eggs and products made from them. And on Wednesdays, Fridays, on the first, third and Holy Weeks You can't eat fish either.

– Father Konstantin, are concessions allowed?

– Fasting is a time of limiting oneself in everything one wants, subordinating oneself to necessity. Spiritual training of soul and body. However, we must remember that fasting is not a diet. We abstain for Christ's sake, that is, our repentance of sins before the Lord is confirmed by abstinence in food and pleasures. But if we have fasted to the point of stomach ulcers or suffer from serious illnesses for which we need to eat quick foods, but we do not eat them, then we commit a sin, for we become like suicides. Also, we cannot fully observe fasting while traveling - at this time we live in special conditions beyond our control. For pregnant women, nursing mothers, warriors, workers engaged in heavy physical labor, the fast is also relaxed. If you can’t fast in food, you need to try to limit yourself in something else. Or take a vow: during fasting, do not offend or judge anyone... But to relax the fast, you need to take the blessing of the priest.

– How does the Church help spend the time of Lent?

- A special structure of worship services. In the first week, fasting is especially strict; in the first four days, the Great Canon of St. is read in the evenings. Andrey Kritsky. Every Sunday of Lent is filled with special significance. On the first Sunday, the Triumph of Orthodoxy is celebrated, established in memory of the restoration of the veneration of icons in 842 in Byzantium. On the second, third and fourth Saturdays the remembrance of the dead is performed. The following Sunday is dedicated to the memory of St. Gregory Palamas. The saint taught that for the feat of fasting and prayer, the Lord illuminates believers with grace. This Sunday evening the first Passion is celebrated - a very touching service with the reading of a passage from the Gospel, dedicated to the suffering of the Savior. The remaining three passions are served on subsequent Sundays.

In the third week, called the Worship of the Cross, fasting is very strict. On Saturday evening, the Cross of the Lord is brought to the middle of the temple for veneration. This is a special reminder to believers of God’s love for man, for which the Son of God gave himself up to death on the cross.

The fourth Sunday is dedicated to the memory of St. John Climacus, author of “The Ladder,” a book about spiritual growth. At the evening service on Thursday, the canon of St. Andrew of Crete and the life of St. Mary of Egypt, which is why the entire service, which lasts several hours, was called “Standing of Mary of Egypt.” Saturday of this week is dedicated to the remembrance of the deliverance of Constantinople from the Persian and Avar invasion, in memory of which the Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos is read during the evening service the day before. This day is called Akathist Saturday, or Praise of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Saturday of the sixth week - “Lazarus Saturday” - is dedicated to the memory of the resurrection of Lazarus. On the sixth Sunday, a great holiday is celebrated - the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem, or Palm Sunday. Willow branches are consecrated in the temple, which are then kept all year round near the icons. The next, last week is called Holy Week. It's dedicated to memories last days earthly life of the Savior - His sufferings, death on the cross and burials.

Interviewed by Irina TATARINA, 2010

February 19 is the beginning of Lent 2018. It lasts 7 weeks and is inextricably linked with Easter. Fasting prepares us for a great and bright holiday, cleansing and sanctifying the soul through repentance and communion.

People far from spiritual life often ask why the Church introduced fasting into its annual cycle, why should a person limit himself in food? We asked you to answer this question rector of the Sheltozero Nativity of the Savior parish, Hieromonk DOSIFEY (Larionov).

If a person does not have a definite framework and believes that he is allowed to always and in everything satisfy any of his desires, then in principle he exists, just as there is an animal that if, for example, comes across food, it will definitely eat it, and not will be looking at tidbit, convince yourself that at the moment he doesn't need to do this. But a person differs from an animal in that he has a mind that guides his life.

In the Orthodox Church there are four fasts and two fast days in the middle of the week - Wednesday and Friday. Fasting benefits a person, even if he has not yet begun to live a full spiritual life. Because nothing strengthens his character more than fasting days, I was convinced of this from my little experience. Mother Paraskeva, who works at the Valaam metochion in St. Petersburg, prepares food for the clergy, once told me that during the years of persecution of the Church she worked as a cook in a restaurant and during Lent often served dishes with delicious-smelling chicken meat on a tray . And she wasn’t tempted at all.

If you want to strengthen your will, then fasting will especially help you with this. It is also important that you can use this quality acquired in fasting while struggling with passions. After all modern man is among many temptations. And the resilience developed during fasting helps him overcome any of them.

By oppressing your belly, you leave room in your soul for the grace of God, preparing yourself to perceive it. Saint Seraphim of Sarov advised getting up from the table without feeling full. “Leave room for the Spirit of God,” said the monk.

But sometimes a person does not find peace in fasting, because his fasting is often associated only with food restriction and the space formed in his soul from physical fasting is not filled with spiritual acquisitions. And the person does not understand why he has become so irritable, why he is dissatisfied with himself. This also happens to Christians who are just beginning to carry out the feat of fasting every Wednesday and Friday. According to the expression of the holy fathers, fasting is like a bird that soars to the sky. This bird must have two wings, one wing is food restriction, and the other is prayer.

Recorded by Olga SIDLOVSKAYA

There are rules for meals, determined by the Church Charter - they are very strict and are usually followed in monasteries, as well as by some laity with the blessing of the confessor. These rules can be found in the Orthodox Church Calendar, published annually by the Russian Orthodox Church.
For the laity, there are several degrees of relaxation of fasting - it depends on the person’s age, his occupation, state of health and many other factors.
The table below shows approximate diagram meals during Lent. Blue what can be eaten according to the rules is highlighted, green- what can be enjoyed by the laity as a relaxation of the statute.

Carnival: You cannot eat meat, but you can eat dairy foods and eggs all week on all days.

All Lent: You cannot eat meat, dairy foods and eggs.
Sick, weakened people can take a blessing from their confessor to relax the fast - at least for dairy products on some days.

1st, 7th week During Lent from Monday to Friday inclusive - dry food, food even without vegetable oil.

2, 3, 5, 6 weeks from Monday to Friday: according to the regulations - boiled food.
Laymen are allowed to eat food with vegetable oil. As an exception, on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday the laity can eat fish.

On Good (Good) Friday According to the regulations, we don’t eat anything.
For the laity - dry eating.

On Holy Saturday- dry food, food even without vegetable oil.
Laymen are allowed to eat boiled food; as an exception, vegetable oil is allowed.

On Saturdays and Sundays According to the regulations, food with vegetable oil is allowed.
Laymen, as an exception, can eat fish.

On Palm Sunday and Annunciation According to the regulations, fish is allowed. But in 2018, the Annunciation falls on Holy Saturday, so fish is excluded.