The Great Lent of 2025, observed by Orthodox Christians, begins on March 3 and will last until April 19, culminating just before the celebration of Easter on April 20. This period, often referred to as the longest fasting time within the Orthodox calendar, invites believers to engage deeply with their faith through various practices centered around prayer, self-reflection, and dietary restrictions.
According to church teachings, the essence of Great Lent transcends mere dietary abstinence; it fundamentally encompasses the broader theme of purification through prayer and repentance. One religious authority noted, "The Great Lent is not just about abstaining from food; it is primarily about cleansing through prayer, reflection, and repentance." This highlights the significance of the period as more than just physical restraint, but as a holistic approach to enhancing one's spirituality.
Great Lent starts at Clean Monday, which falls on March 3 this year. The fasting period lasts for 48 days, with strict dietary guidelines for participants aimed at fostering self-discipline and reflection. The following is the detailed dietary schedule for the first week:
- March 3 (Monday, Clean Monday): Complete fasting is recommended, allowing only water. This is seen as the beginning of deep reflection and purification.
- March 4 (Tuesday): Consumption of bread and water is permitted, focusing on simplicity.
- March 5 (Wednesday): Raw fruits and vegetables can be consumed without any oils.
- March 6 (Thursday): Hot dishes prepared without oils are allowed, providing some comfort as fasting begins.
- March 7 (Friday): Return to raw foods again, emphasizing the commitment to fasting.
- March 8-9 (Saturday and Sunday): During the weekend, participants may enjoy warm meals with vegetable oil, easing the strictness slightly.
The observance of Great Lent encourages participants not only to reconsider their diets but also to engage more fully with their faith and community. Throughout this period, believers are urged to work on their moral and ethical grounding, with many eschewing worldly pleasures and dedicative prayer to God. One church leader emphasized, "The observance of Great Lent offers believers the chance to reconnect spiritually and prepare for the resurrection." This statement encapsulates the Lent's key purpose: to strengthen one's relationship with God.
The essence of the fast includes abstaining from animal products and luxuries, with restrictions particularly tightened during significant days such as Clean Monday and Good Friday. Specifically, during Great Lent, participants are to avoid:
- Meat and poultry
- Dairy products, including milk, cheese, and butter
- Eggs and products containing eggs
- Alcoholic beverages, except sometimes wine on specific days
- Any type of sweetened or rich foods
Each of the seven weeks of fasting carries its own themes and practices, with key contemplations centered on humility, sacrifice, and community support. For example, the first week primarily emphasizes initial reflections through reading the Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete, encouraging the faithful to confront personal shortcomings.
Week by week, the guidelines evolve, with the latter part of the fasting period, particularly the Holy Week leading up to Easter, focusing intensely on the suffering of Jesus Christ and the importance of repentance. The Strastnaya Sema (Holy Week) is particularly solemn, remembered for the passion of Christ and serves as the final step before the joyous celebration of Easter.
It is important to note, as church leaders recommend, those unable to fully adhere to the fasting rules due to health or age should consult with their priests or health care professionals. Exceptions are made for children, pregnant women, and the ill, reflecting the church's deeply compassionate approach to individual wellbeing during this rigorous observance.
Overall, the Great Lent of 2025 exemplifies not only dietary control but aims to enrich the lives of believers spiritually, deeply rooting their faith and preparing them for the ecstatic yearly celebration of Easter.