Great Lent is more than just a period of fasting—it’s a transformative spiritual journey that prepares Christians for the most significant celebration of the year: Holy Pascha, commonly known as Easter. This 40-day season is a time of deep reflection, repentance, and renewal, inviting us to reconnect with God and prepare our hearts to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
In this blog, we’ll explore the rich traditions and practices of Great Lent, from its purpose and structure to its profound spiritual lessons. Whether you’re new to Lent or a seasoned observer, this guide will help you understand its beauty and significance.
What is Great Lent?
Great Lent is the 40-day period of spiritual preparation leading up to Holy Pascha (Easter). It is the central part of the Triodion season, a ten-week period that includes:
Three Pre-Lenten Weeks: A time to prepare our hearts.
Six Weeks of Lent: A period of fasting, prayer, and repentance.
Holy Week: The final week leading up to Easter, commemorating Christ’s Passion and Resurrection.
The main theme of the Triodion is repentance—a call to return to God, our loving Father. This season is a spiritual journey, a chance to walk with our Savior, Jesus Christ, and prepare to meet Him risen on Easter Sunday.
The Heart of Great Lent: Prayer and Fasting
Great Lent is centered on two key practices: prayer and fasting. These are not just rituals but tools to help us grow closer to God.
The Purpose of Fasting
Fasting is more than abstaining from food—it’s a spiritual discipline that reminds us of Jesus’ teaching: “Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). By limiting our physical needs, we learn to depend more fully on God, who provides for both our bodies and souls.
Fasting also symbolizes our desire to turn away from sin. Just as Adam and Eve’s first sin involved eating from the forbidden tree, our fasting reminds us to abstain from sinful behaviors and focus on spiritual growth.
The Benefits of Fasting
Deeper Prayer: Fasting lightens our spirit, making it easier to focus on prayer and meditation.
Compassion for Others: By experiencing hunger, we grow in empathy for those who are poor and hungry.
Self-Control: Fasting teaches us to control our desires, words, and actions, aligning them with God’s will.
As Saint John Chrysostom taught, fasting from food is important, but fasting from sin is even more critical. This means guarding our thoughts, words, and actions, ensuring they reflect God’s love and grace.
The Prelenten Weeks: Preparing Our Hearts
Before Great Lent begins, the Church provides four Sundays of preparation, each with a unique theme:
The Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee: This Sunday focuses on humility. The parable of the Publican and the Pharisee (Luke 18:10-14) reminds us that pride has no place in fasting or prayer. Interestingly, the week following this Sunday is fast-free, emphasizing that true repentance comes from a humble heart.
The Sunday of the Prodigal Son: This Sunday highlights repentance. Like the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), we are called to recognize our distance from God and make the decision to return to Him.
Meatfare Sunday (Sunday of the Last Judgment): This Sunday challenges us to live with love and compassion. The Gospel reading (Matthew 25:31-46) reminds us that how we treat others—especially the poor and vulnerable—is how we treat Christ Himself. It’s also the last day to eat meat before Easter for those observing the Lenten Fast.
Cheesefare Sunday (Sunday of Forgiveness): The final Sunday before Lent begins, this day emphasizes forgiveness. The Gospel reading (Matthew 6:14-21) reminds us that our fasting must be sincere, not for show. It’s also the last day to consume dairy before the Fast begins.
The Lenten Fast: Rules and Practices
The rules of the Lenten Fast were established by Orthodox monasteries centuries ago and are designed to guide us in self-denial and spiritual growth. Here’s a breakdown of the general practices:
Weekdays: Meat, dairy, fish, oil, and wine are avoided.
Weekends: Olive oil and wine are permitted.
Special Feast Days: Fish, oil, and wine are allowed on certain days, such as the Annunciation (March 25) and Palm Sunday.
The first week of Lent and Holy Week are particularly strict, with some Orthodox Christians observing a total fast on certain days. However, the Church encourages moderation and understanding, recognizing that health, work, and life circumstances may affect how individuals observe the Fast.
Holy Week: The Culmination of the Journey
Holy Week, the week leading up to Easter, is a time of intense reflection and fasting. Each day is marked by special services and readings that recount the final days of Christ’s earthly life.
Holy Thursday: Wine is allowed in remembrance of the Last Supper.
Good Friday: A strict fast is observed, commemorating Christ’s crucifixion.
Holy Saturday: The only Saturday in the year when oil is not permitted.
Easter and Beyond: The Joy of Resurrection
The Lenten Fast concludes with the joyous proclamation, “Christ is risen!” at the Easter midnight service. The following week, known as Bright Week, is a time of celebration with no fasting. For the next 40 days, the Church continues to celebrate the Paschal season, a period of thanksgiving and joy that fulfills the spiritual journey of Lent.
A Prayer for Lent
Throughout Great Lent, the Prayer of Saint Ephraim the Syrian is recited daily, serving as a powerful reminder of the season’s purpose:
“O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, faintheartedness, lust of power, and idle talk. But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love to Your servant. Yes, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother, for You are blessed unto ages of ages. Amen.”
Final Thoughts
Great Lent is more than a tradition—it’s an invitation to draw closer to God, to shed the distractions of the world, and to focus on what truly matters. Whether through fasting, prayer, or acts of kindness, this season offers us a chance to reset our spiritual compass and embrace the love and grace of our Heavenly Father.
As we embark on this journey, let’s remember that the goal isn’t perfection but progress. Each small step we take brings us closer to the joy of Easter and the promise of new life in Christ.