Great Lent

Altar of orthodox Church of saint Wenceslaw and Saint Ludmila in Třebíč, Třebíč District

Crucifixion by Theophanes the Cretan

Pope Gregory I

MHS Sad Ostateczny XVII w Lipie p

Ohrid annunciation icon

Great Lent, also known as the Great Fast, is the most significant and sacred period of the Christian liturgical year, particularly within the traditions of Eastern Orthodoxy, Oriental Orthodoxy, and some Eastern Catholic Churches. It is a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and penitence before Easter, the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus. Great Lent mirrors the 40 days that Jesus spent fasting in the desert according to the New Testament and is a time of spiritual reflection, improvement, and preparation.

Origins and History

The practice of observing a period of fasting before Easter dates back to the earliest days of the Christian Church. The duration and practices of Lent evolved over time. Initially, the period of fasting varied, but by the fourth century, most of the Church had standardized the length to 40 days, inspired by the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness.

Observances and Practices

During Great Lent, faithful adherents engage in several spiritual disciplines designed to foster spiritual growth and repentance. These include:

• Fasting: Participants abstain from certain foods, traditionally including meat, dairy, and eggs. The strictness of the fast varies among individuals and jurisdictions.
• Prayer and Repentance: Increased prayer and confession are emphasized, with many churches offering additional services for worship and reflection.
• Almsgiving: Acts of charity and giving to the poor are encouraged as a means of sharing one's blessings with those in need.

Liturgical Services

Great Lent is marked by unique liturgical services that are not observed at other times of the year. These include the Presanctified Liturgy, the Akathist Hymn, and the Canon of St. Andrew of Crete. The Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great replaces the more commonly celebrated Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom on most Sundays during Lent.

Weeks of Great Lent

The Lenten season is structured around specific themes for each week:

1. Clean Week: The first week of Lent, focusing on personal cleansing and confession. 2. Week of St. Gregory Palamas: This week highlights the teachings of St. Gregory Palamas on prayer and the divine energies of God. 3. Veneration of the Cross: The midpoint of Lent, where the cross is brought out for veneration by the faithful as a reminder of the Passion of Christ. 4. Week of St. John Climacus: Dedicated to the author of "The Ladder of Divine Ascent," emphasizing spiritual progress. 5. Week of St. Mary of Egypt: Commemorates St. Mary of Egypt, a model of repentance and transformation.

Conclusion of Great Lent

Great Lent concludes with Lazarus Saturday and Palm Sunday, which lead directly into Holy Week, the final week before Easter. Holy Week itself is not considered part of Great Lent but is a separate observance commemorating the events leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.