Great Lent, a revered time for repentance and reflection among Orthodox Christians, begins on March 3rd and runs through April 19th, 2025. It marks the longest fasting period leading up to the joyous celebration of Easter. The preparations for this sacred time began with events leading up to it, including the Forgiveness Sunday service, which took place on March 2nd, the last celebration before fasting commencement.
Metropolitan Eugenie of Yekaterinburg and Verkhoturye is set to lead the customary services at various churches, including the Holy Trinity Cathedral, as the faithful gather to observe the significant occasion. According to local reports, the Orthodox television channel Soyuz will broadcast the solemn services on March 1st and 2nd, followed by readings of the Canon of Saint Andrew of Crete from March 3rd to 6th. This period of great significance not only draws the faithful to unite under common rituals but also serves as deep-rooted guidance for their journeys of faith.
The liturgical schedule of services has been duly arranged to encourage participation, with Metropolitan Eugenie presiding over the Vespers service at Holy Trinity Cathedral on the evening of March 1st at 5:00 PM. The Divine Liturgy on Sunday, known as Forgiveness Sunday, is also set for March 2nd at 9:00 AM, followed by Vespers at 5:00 PM, encompassing traditions meant to purify the hearts of worshippers.
Throughout the first week of Great Lent, evening services will commence at 6:00 PM—one hour later than usual—with the reading of the Great Canon, emphasizing the theme of penitence. Services will take place at various locations, including the Church of the Transfiguration on March 4th, the Church of the Nativity of Christ on March 5th, and the Church on the Blood on March 6th, each meant to remind the community of their shared faith and aspirations.
Beyond the church walls, community responses showcase diverse experiences concerning the observance of Lent. People from Kirov region were surveyed on how they engage with the fasting tradition. Alexey Potapenko, the deputy chairman of the Kirov Regional Duma, candidly expressed, "Right now, it's tough to observe the fast completely, but I do try to keep myself restrained," acknowledging the common struggles during this transformative period.
Elena Chesnokova, chair of the Association for the Protection of the Rights of Large Families, echoed these sentiments. "My family, unfortunately, does not fast as we should. But we know many large families who do fast and serve as examples," she commented, highlighting the challenges families face when adhering strictly to fasting guidelines, particularly for those with children or specific dietary needs.
Echoing the similar flexibility, Danil Kraev, a member of the Youth Council under the Governor of Kirov Region, found fulfillment not just through traditional fasting but through “taking away distractions from serving.” He mentioned choosing alternative forms of abstaining, believing active engagement with inner challenges serves the essence of the fast more than mere dietary changes alone.
Metropolitan Alexander emphasized the importance of this period, saying, "Great Lent is a special period in the church's life, preparing us for the worthy meeting of the holiday of holidays.” He emphasizes this time should not merely be about changing one’s diet but rather focusing on living according to the Gospel's tenets and engaging one's soul with God. The focus is not just on what one can or cannot eat but aligning one’s life with the values of humility, love, and compassion.
One aspect frequently discussed among clergy is the dual nature of fasting—not only physical but also the challenge of purifying the soul. Lent initiates a period when believers are called to confront negative feelings such as anger, envy, or resentment. It’s viewed not merely as food abstention, but as shedding oneself of any burdens inhibiting the faithful from closing their faith journeys with different perspectives and approaches to their lives.
During the period of Lent, especially on significant days such as the Parent Saturdays on March 15, 22, and 29, the church encourages the practice of commemorations dedicated to deceased ancestors, bringing families together not only to mourn but to celebrate memories and ancestral legacies. This part of Tradition resonates deeply with the Orthodox community, reminding them of their roots and the importance of interceding for their loved ones.
April leads us up to the grand celebration of Easter, presenting opportunities for reflection and reconciliation. The Great Lent calls upon believers not only to evaluate their dietary habits but also to open their hearts and minds to the transformative power of Christ’s resurrection.
Let the days of Lent serve as reminders of our willingness to adapt, grow, and embody the virtues we seek to nurture within ourselves. The Orthodox Church invites all to embrace this sacred time with hope, as believers look forward to the vibrant joy Easter brings to the spirit.
May this Lent be filled with moments of introspection, community unity, and eventual celebration as we anticipate the Resurrection of Christ.