Orthodox and Greek-Catholic Christians enter Great Lent before Easter

Orthodox and Greek-Catholic Christians are entering the Great Lent on Monday, a period of spiritual cleansing and preparation lasting 40 days before Easter (April 28). Starting today, the 40-day period sees many Christians partake in a season of moderation, meditation, fasting, prayer and repentance. The exercises in discipline are undertaken to allow believers time to reflect on the life, words and sacrifices of our Savior Jesus Christ - writes Basilica.ro, Press Agency of the Romanian Patriarchate.

“We do not fast in order to be seen or praised by people, we fast in order to draw nearer to God”. “True fast is not only to abstain from foods of animal origin, but also to abstain from every material greed and desire to selfishly dominate others, a self-control over every thought, word, or deed that diminishes the love of God and our neighbor” – are a couple of quotes of His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel about fasting, spiritual growth and the power of prayer, according to Basilica.ro.

RRA Reporter Remus Rădulescu, about significance of Great Lent: "Great Lent is dedicated to preparation for the day when people celebrate Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christians choose to make a change in diet but also in behavior. For seven weeks, they do not eat animal products: meat, milk, eggs, limiting only to vegetables. As far as behavior is concerned, those who lent refrain from going to parties and have a more lenient attitude towards others. The Church recommends all these things as a way of personal sacrifice dedicated to Jesus Christ, who died and resurrected for mankind".

Source:RRA,Basilica.ro.Translated by Miruna Matei