In Christian Orthodox practice, there is a tradition of observing four multi-day fasts. Lent is the longest and most rigorous of them.
In Orthodox church spiritual practice, two multi-day fasts are fixed for certain dates, while the rest (the same two fasts — the Great and Petrov) are transitional.
The time of the beginning of Lent is determined by the dating of the celebration of Easter, which depends on the time of the celebrations dedicated to the Passover. In 2015, Orthodox Easter falls on April 12th. Accordingly, Lent constitutes a period of time of seven weeks before the main Orthodox triumph of the bright Resurrection of Christ. It turns out that in 2015, Holy Lent begins on Monday, February 23rd.
Such dating of the beginning of the Holy Pentecost (so called Lent) so brings some corrections to the life of the modern Orthodox Christian. So, February 23rd (the day of the defenders of the Fatherland) as a holiday for men should no longer be celebrated with all splendor, accompanied by a meal of fast food, and the use of alcohol. The first day of fasting, as well as the entire first week (until Saturday), is strict. At this time, the Christian should especially delve into the depths of his soul, to realize personal flaws, it is necessary to try to prepare his soul for repentance and communion of the holy Body and Blood of the Lord. In the early days of Lent, in all Orthodox churches, a special service of the Great Lap of Faith is performed with the reading of the Great Resting Canon of the Monk Andrei of Crete. Therefore, despite the holidays dedicated to February 23rd, it was recommended that the Orthodox Christian think not about worldly celebrations, but about spiritual improvement of his personality.
A Christian should also understand that the essence of abstinence (fasting) is not just the exclusion of animal origin from the diet. The main purpose of fasting is the desire of a Christian to become at least a little better in the spiritual sense. Therefore, it is necessary to refrain not only from certain foods, but also from sinful passions and vices. At the same time, the Christian must try to read the Holy Scriptures more often, attend divine services, taking part in the sacraments, and turn to the cell in prayers to God.
