Lent in the past was long and strict, when people refused all fatty foods. During this period, Christians prepared for the largest of the religious holidays, Easter, thinking about the things they were doing wrong. It was the time for the cleansing of the soul. Lent today is a time when Christians are trying to overcome their own mistakes. Few of them follow the strict requirements of the fast. They try to devote more time to prayer and religious rituals.
When does Great Lent begin and how long does it last?
The beginning of Lent depends on the date of Easter. The first day of Easter can fall on any date between March 22nd and April 25th, and it always falls on the first Sunday after a full moon (Easter Full Moon) after March 21st. If it falls on a Sunday, then Easter is celebrated the next Sunday.
In 2014, Lent begins on March 3 and ends on April 19.
Lent lasts 49 days. It includes two main Orthodox fasts - Holy Lent and Passion Week.
The Holy Forty Day is dedicated to 40 days that Jesus Christ fasted in the wilderness. Passion Week is dedicated to the memory of the suffering that Christ experienced. Lent begins 49 days before Easter. In 2014, Lent begins on March 3.
When Great Lent ends
Lent ends on Easter, when Christians remember the death of Jesus and celebrate his resurrection. The last week of Great Lent begins Palm Sunday, which marks the day of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem.
The last day of Great Lent is Great Saturday, the day before Easter. In 2014, Lent ends on April 19.
Length of Lent: Additional Information
Many people wonder why Sundays are not counted as 40 days of Lent. Actually Great Lent lasts 40 days, since the Feast of the Annunciation and the Feast of the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem are excluded from the total of 49. Fasting is weakening these days and it can no longer be called fasting in the strict sense.
Holy Lent lasts 40 days, Holy Week is the last week of Great Lent.
In addition, these 40 days do not count the days of Holy Week, which form a special ascetic cycle, namely, Holy Week fast.
So why does Lent itself last 40 days? At this time, Christians remember 40 days and nights that Jesus spent alone in the desert without food, tempted by the devil. Jesus used this time by preparing for his deeds by fasting and praying. Likewise, Christians spend forty days preparing to rejoice at the resurrection of Jesus Christ at Easter.
Fasting and its health benefits
Modern doctors argue that fasting is beneficial to health, in addition to its cleansing effect on the human soul. During the period of eating lean food, the human body is cleared of cholesterol, thereby reducing the number of cardiovascular diseases. In addition, fasting has a beneficial effect on other important body systems.
Be that as it may, the main meaning of fasting still remains in spiritual cleansing. Refusing to use delicacies and other excesses, the fasting person mentally prepares himself for a meeting with the Almighty. This is the main essence and important value of the post.
