Clean Monday, also known as Pure Monday or Green Monday, marks the beginning of Great Lent in Orthodox Christianity. This moveable feast, celebrated on the sixth Monday before Palm Sunday, is a day of purification, forgiveness, and renewal. Falling just before Pascha (Easter), Clean Monday sets the tone for the Lenten journey, inviting believers to cleanse their bodies, minds, and souls in preparation for the resurrection of Christ.
But Clean Monday is more than just the start of a fasting period—it’s a celebration of spring, a time for communal forgiveness, and a chance to embrace a simpler, more intentional way of living. Let’s dive into the rich traditions, spiritual significance, and joyful observances of this unique day.
Clean Monday is not just a day of strict fasting—it’s a celebration of forgiveness, renewal, and the arrival of spring. Let’s explore the rich traditions, liturgical beauty, and spiritual depth of this sacred day.
What is Clean Monday?
Clean Monday, or Kathara Deftera in Greek or Cheestee Ponedelyak in Serbian, symbolizes the “cleansing” of the body and soul as believers enter the Lenten season. It’s a day of strict fasting, where Orthodox Christians abstain from meat, dairy, and eggs, and in some traditions, even all food until the Divine Liturgy on Wednesday. This purification process is not just about physical abstinence but also about spiritual reflection and repentance.
The day is also sometimes referred to as Ash Monday, drawing a parallel to Ash Wednesday in Western Christianity. However, in Orthodox practice, the emphasis is less on the imposition of ashes and more on the mutual forgiveness and communal prayer that characterize the day.
The Liturgical Journey of Clean Monday
The Lenten journey begins the night before Clean Monday with the beautiful service of Forgiveness Vespers. This solemn yet deeply moving service culminates in the Ceremony of Mutual Forgiveness, where all present bow before one another, asking and granting forgiveness. This act of humility and reconciliation sets the tone for the Lenten season, reminding us that we cannot approach God with a clean heart unless we first reconcile with our brothers and sisters.
The Great Penitential Canon of St. Andrew of Crete
During the first four days of Great and Holy Lent, the Great Penitential Canon of St. Andrew of Crete is read at Compline (Повечерје). This profound canon, with its poignant verses and heartfelt repentance, guides us in examining our souls and turning back to God. It is a powerful spiritual tool that helps us enter more deeply into the Lenten spirit of contrition and renewal.
The Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian
Among the many beautiful hymns and prayers of the Holy Forty Days—the Great and Holy Fast, the richest period of the Church’s liturgical year—one short prayer stands out as the Prayer of the Fast. This is the Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian, a great and wondrous Holy Father of the Church:
“O Lord and Master of my life, do not give me the spirit of sloth, despair, lust for power, and idle talk.
But grant me, Your servant, the spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love.
O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother, for You are blessed unto the ages of ages. Amen.”
This prayer, accompanied by Orthodox Christian prostrations after each line, is a cornerstone of Lenten devotion. As the blessed late Serbian Metropolitan Amfilohiye of Montenegro and the Littoral once said, this prayer contains the entirety of Christian morality—what we call ethics. It reveals man as he truly is: sinful, confessing, and acknowledging the state that threatens his human essence and dignity. At the same time, it reveals the path he must walk to become a true human being, created in the image and likeness of God.
Scriptural Readings for Clean Monday
The Old Testament reading from Isaiah 1:16–18, appointed for the Sixth Hour on Clean Monday, captures the essence of the day:
“Wash yourselves and ye shall be clean; put away the wicked ways from your souls… Though your sins be as scarlet, I will make them white as snow.”
This call to repentance is balanced by the joyful Gospel reading from Matthew 6:14–21, which reminds us that fasting should not be a somber display but a private act of devotion:
“When ye fast, anoint thine head, and wash thy face, that thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret.”
Traditions and Observances of Clean Monday
Clean Monday is a day of both solemnity and celebration, blending the Lenten spirit of repentance with the joyful anticipation of spring. Here are some of the key traditions observed by Orthodox Christians:
Strict Fasting and Abstinence
On Clean Monday, Orthodox Christians abstain from meat, dairy, and eggs, consuming only simple, plant-based foods. In some traditions, believers observe a strict fast, refraining from all food until Clean Wednesday, when they partake of Holy Communion at the Pre-Sanctified Liturgy.The Three-Day Fast (Trihemero)
For those who are able, the Church encourages a three-day fast, abstaining from all food and drink until Clean Wednesday. This intense period of fasting is a profound spiritual exercise, helping believers confront their weaknesses, deepen their repentance, and prepare their hearts for the Paschal mystery.Cleaning the Home and the Soul
The first week of Lent is often called Clean Week, a time for both physical and spiritual cleansing. Families clean their homes thoroughly, symbolizing the removal of sin and clutter from their lives. It’s also a time for confession and self-reflection, as we strive to purify our hearts and draw closer to God.
The Three-Day Fast: A Spiritual Deep Dive
The three-day fast observed by some Orthodox Christians is a powerful way to mark the beginning of Lent. By abstaining from food and drink, participants confront their physical limitations and spiritual struggles, gaining a deeper appreciation for the nourishment provided by the Holy Mysteries.
This fast is not meant to be imposed but embraced willingly, with the guidance of a spiritual father. It’s a humbling experience that reveals our inner weaknesses and prepares us for the transformative journey of Lent.
Why Clean Monday Matters Today
In our fast-paced, modern world, Clean Monday offers a much-needed pause—a chance to reset, reflect, and reconnect with our faith and loved ones. Its blend of solemnity and celebration reminds us that spiritual growth doesn’t have to be gloomy; it can be a joyful, communal experience.
Whether you’re observing the strict fast or simply taking time to clean your home and heart, Clean Monday is an invitation to embrace a fresh start. It’s a reminder that, no matter how far we may have strayed, we can always return to God with a clean slate.
Conclusion
Clean Monday is more than just the first day of Lent—it’s a celebration of forgiveness, renewal, and the promise of spring. By fasting, cleaning, and seeking forgiveness, we prepare ourselves for the spiritual journey ahead, culminating in the joy of Pascha.
So this Clean Monday, let’s take a moment to cleanse our hearts, mend broken relationships, and embrace the beauty of a simpler, more intentional life. After all, as the Lenten season reminds us, the path to resurrection begins with a single step—and that step starts today.
Celebrate Clean Monday with joy, reflection, and a heart ready for renewal. Share this post to spread the beauty of this ancient tradition!