Orthodox Lent 2023: Date, History, Traditions, Foods to Abstain

The forty days of Lent represent the time between the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus' forty-day fast and prayer in the desert served as the inspiration for the final duration of Lent.

Orthodox Lent is observed from Clean Monday to Holy Saturday evening and leads up to Easter Sunday, which this year occurs between February 27 and April 15. When we think of Easter, Easter eggs and the activities played prior to receiving an Easter egg come to mind. Observed by those of the Christian faith, this religious festival is known as Orthodox Lent or Great Lent. It is a six-week commemoration preceding Easter Sunday during which believers prepare for Easter through abstinence, prayer, and fasting.

HISTORY OF ORTHODOX LENT

The forty days of Lent represent the time between the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus’ forty-day fast and prayer in the desert served as the inspiration for the final duration of Lent. Early Christian practises differed throughout the Roman Empire. Typical weekly fasting occurred on Wednesday and Friday until mid-afternoon. Additionally, supplicants and clergy would fast prior to the ceremony, which was typically held at Easter. Diverse Christian communities observed a 40-day fast prior to the year’s three sacred days: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday.

From the sixth to the twelfth century, Lent spread throughout Western Europe. Few Lenten days were “black,” indicating that no food could be consumed from sunrise to sunset. The daily fast was progressively diminished. By the close of the Middle Ages, midday meals were commonplace. Even on Sundays, according to bishops and theologians, specialists in church law, no flesh, animal products, dairy, or eggs were permitted during Lent. The goal was to refrain from indulgence during this season of penitence. During the season of Lent, wedding ceremonies were also prohibited.

On Fridays of Lent, Catholics and certain other Christians continue to abstain from eating meat, and on two days of the total fasting period, they consume only one meal and two smaller refreshments. Additionally, they give up something during Lent. Like smoking or viewing television, or a preferred meal or drink. The elderly, the ill, and women who are expectant are exempt from fasting. In keeping with the spiritual and self-disciplined spirit of Lent, other activities such as reconciling with estranged family and friends, spiritual reading, and community service are encouraged. Even though some traditions have changed, Lent continues to be a time of introspective silence and spiritual discipline.