Clean Monday - Beginning of Lent

The beginning of Lent occupies a special place in the hearts of Christian believers. This is a 47-day fast, consisting of the Fourth Day and Holy Week. Lent begins immediately after Forgiveness Sunday and lasts until Easter. During Lent, you should not eat products of animal origin: meat, eggs, dairy. Fish is allowed only on the Annunciation (April 7) and Palm Sunday. In addition, there are special rules for eating and processing food. The strictest days of fasting are the first and last weeks. Here the church advises to refuse food altogether, or to take it only once, in the evening. Refusal to eat is a mandatory requirement, but not the main thing. The meaning of such abstinence is much deeper. Lent implies a time of renunciation of sinful thoughts and repentance for committed deeds. The Church believes that in memory of the fasting Jesus wandering through the desert, every person professing Christianity should fast. The exceptions are small children, sick or elderly people, and pregnant women. However, exceptions apply only to meals that become somewhat harsh. Otherwise, there are no exceptions; a person must think through his actions and desires, sincerely repent of inappropriate things, and be absolutely sure of his plans. A believer is purified by soul and body, so it is extremely important during holy times not to swear, not to use foul language, and to learn to control one’s thoughts and emotions. We need to learn to forgive people and stand up for the weak and disadvantaged. The Church calls for devoting the time of Lent exclusively to charitable deeds, to extend a helping hand to everyone in need. During Lent, no entertainment is allowed. This time belongs only to thoughts and internal analytical analysis, and, of course, prayers. All bad habits and desires must be left outside the beginning of Lent. Believers prepare three weeks in advance. The first week is omnivorous, the second is meat-eating, and the third is oil week, better known as Maslenitsa. It ends in the church with the reading of special prayers on Forgiveness Sunday, after which there comes a time of abstinence for believers. The main thing is to prepare your soul, tune in internally and sincerely feel your mistakes, repent, ask for forgiveness, tune in only to a positive mood, try not to quarrel with colleagues or household members. It is important to work on yourself, getting rid of unnecessary garbage in your soul.