Lent begins immediately after Shrovetide and lasts seven weeks. Orthodox Christians during this time are trying to clear themselves of dark thoughts, prepare their soul and body for the great holiday of Easter.
Instruction manual
1
Any post begins with confession. Contact the temple in advance to find out dates by which you can talk face to face with the clergyman. Prepare for confession, at least a day before it, do not smoke, do not drink, try not to swear. Tell the priest everything that has accumulated in your soul. Perhaps he will refuse you communion. Do not be upset. It only means that you need to analyze your actions more deeply, to truly sincerely repent for all that has been done. Please try again in a couple of days.
2
Read the gospel. Compare your life with him. This will make it easier for you to endure Lent. You will learn about the sufferings of Jesus Christ, in comparison with which the restriction in food and entertainment will be only a small fraction of what he had to experience. But after going through this, you will become much closer to the Savior.
3
Quit smoking and drinking in advance. Bad habits can be difficult to get rid of in one day. So come to the beginning of Lent prepared. Reduce the number of cigarettes smoked per day, stop drinking beer in the evenings. Then you can easily give up worldly pleasures on fasting days.
4
TV in Lent is better not to include. But what if the family does not support your views? Collect in advance and put on a separate shelf books that you wanted to read, but did not have time. When loved ones watch television, retire to another room or to the kitchen with a book. Of course, it would be better if it was a legend about the life of saints, but classical novels with reflections on the Russian spirit and Orthodox power are quite suitable.
5
Buy an Orthodox calendar that says what days of Lent what food you can eat. So it will be easier for you to navigate with the purchase of products and cooking.
6
Start Lent with prayer, ask the Lord to help you in all trials. Ask for pacification of the soul and body. Remember that in this way you will prepare for the Easter holiday, meet it with bright, pure thoughts.
Related article
Shrovetide: simple recipes for openwork pancakes
