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Great Lent begins

Photo: BTA

After Cheesefare (Forgiveness) Sunday, the Great Lent has begun on March 3. Orthodox Christians will abstain from eating animal food including meat, eggs, milk and dairy products.

The Great Lent symbolizes the 40 days which Jesus spent in the desert. It is not only a dietary fast but also an abstinence from bad thoughts, words and deeds.

Fasting is not a mere diet. The purpose of fasting is to humble the soul by denying the body. Through fasting, the faithful renounce their sins, 'purify themselves' and draw closer to the nature of God and His son, Jesus Christ.




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