If you’re unfamiliar with orthodox lent, you’re not alone. The season is a time for spiritual self-reflection, abstinence from animal foods, and more. Read on to learn more about this time of year. For Eastern Orthodox Christians, Lent involves giving up olive oil and other animal products, including cheese, dairy products, and meat. Children, the elderly, and those on the road are not allowed to fast.
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Orthodox lent
Orthodox Lent is different than other lenten traditions in many ways. For starters, this Lenten period is a time to focus on prayer, fasting, and self-reflection. It is an opportunity to break destructive habits and be closer to God. In addition to fasting, Orthodox churches often restrict the consumption of meat, dairy products, eggs, olive oil, and wine. Instead, time is devoted to observing fasting and prayer, and the clergy is not permitted to partake in the festivities.
Orthodox Christians observe a 40-day period of prayer and fasting leading up to Easter. It is a time to prepare for the Easter feast. Some Orthodox Christians abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent.
Orthodox lent is a time of spiritual self-reflection
In the Eastern Orthodox Church, Lent is a time for spiritual self-reflection and preparation for the Easter celebration. It is traditionally marked by fasting and prayer activities. It is also a time when many people use the time to re-establish their religious practices and prepare for Holy Week and Easter.
During Lent, people often think about fasting and the regulations associated with it. Many may not fully understand the reasons behind such actions. Instead, they may focus on the practicalities of giving up something for a limited period of time.
Orthodox lent involves abstaining from animal food
Fasting during the lenten season requires you to refrain from eating meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. The fasting period lasts for 40 days. There are exceptions to the rule, though. Fish, eggs, and dairy products are permitted on certain occasions, such as the Annunciation feast or Palm Sunday. Wine is also permitted on certain occasions, including Wednesday and Friday. The obligation of abstaining from meat during Lent dates back to the apostolic times.
Traditional Orthodox fasting is a difficult process, because the temptations of legalism and pride are very real. But there are also spiritual benefits to fasting during the Lenten season. A return to more diligent fasting may be one of the keys to the spiritual renewal of the Orthodox church.
Public reading of Scripture is increased during Great Lent
The first Sunday of Orthodox Great Lent commemorates the Prophets. The Gospels and Epistles are read at the Divine Liturgy during this season. The public reading of Scripture increases significantly during Great Lent. The Lenten season begins on the First Sunday of Great Lent, and concludes on the Sixth Friday of Lent.
During the Orthodox Great Lent, the Psalter is read more frequently, and the use of it doubles. Ordinarily, the psalter is read once a week, but this is increased during the Lenten season. This reading of Scripture is important spiritual food during the Lenten season.
Orthodox lent consists of olives, taramasalata, Halva, vegetables, legumes and seafood
Foods eaten during the lenten season are typically lean and healthy, and are often paired with a drink such as tsipouro. Traditionally, the meals during this time include olives, taramasalata, olive oil, Halva, vegetables, legumes and fish. The dessert is a variation on the familiar Arab “halva,” made of tahini, sesame paste, sugar, and nuts. It is usually served with fresh flatbread.
Many foods are forbidden during Lent, including wine, meat, dairy products, and alcohol. However, if you are a creative cook, you can incorporate these foods into your meals without breaking the fast.
