Lent 2025 — when will it come and what restrictions should be observed

Lent is the period of preparation and penance before Easter, which is the main holiday of the year for Orthodox Christians. For 40 days, believers give up material pleasures and devote time to prayer, fasting and spiritual improvement. Izvestia tells readers about the essence of Lent, its limitations and rituals.

What is the date of Lent in 2025

The days of Great Lent, as well as the date of Easter, change every year depending on the lunar calendar. In 2025, the great holiday falls on April 20, and the fast begins 40 days before it — on March 3.

The calendar of Great Lent in 2025 is the essence of each week

Great Lent consists of two periods — Holy Lent and Holy Week, which ends with Easter. Thus, the fast consists of seven weeks, the last of which is incomplete.

For the first four days, the penitential canon of St. Andrew of Crete is read in churches. This is a time of repentance and humility, so it is important for believers to adhere especially strictly to the rules of prayer. The first week (in Church Slavonic, this word means "Sunday afternoon") Great Lent is called the Celebration of Christianity, it falls on March 9th. Believers visit the church for confession and prayers. This is the time of the beginning of changes, purification and conversion to God.

During the second week of Great Lent (March 9-15), restrictions are relaxed. It is still better to exclude dishes of animal origin from the diet, but with heavy physical or mental work, you can make allowances. Believers are called to repentance, to realize their sins and imperfections.

Restrictions with the possibility of relaxation also apply to the third week of lent — from March 16 to March 22. On Sunday, the Holy Cross is carried out at the vigil, which remains on the pedestal for worship until Friday. Therefore, the fourth week (March 23) is also called the Crucifixion week. During this week (March 23-29), believers are reminded that half the way has already been completed, their spirit is strengthened, and their connection with the Lord is becoming stronger.From March 30 to April 5, believers remember the story of Mary of Egypt, who was able to atone for her sins and vices through repentance and even become a saint. The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is held in churches, a ceremony of communion for all comers.

On the sixth week, which falls on April 6-12, it is customary to remember the events of Lazarus' death and his subsequent resurrection after the arrival of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem.

The last week of Lent, Holy Week, is the most important. During the period from April 14 to April 19, restrictions must be strictly observed. The point is to imagine and realize the last days of Christ before his crucifixion, as well as his torment on the cross.

At this time, believers devote themselves especially deeply to prayer, fasting, and reflection on the significance of Christ's suffering for their own salvation. They try to understand what sacrifices Christ made for their sins, and strive to be grateful to him for his love and mercy.

Lent in 2025 — what can and cannot be done

During lent, believers focus on their spiritual life: they devote time to prayer, study the Holy Scriptures, and reflect on spiritual matters. Many attend church and participate in worship services.

Christians follow full or partial fasting. Abstinence from meat, dairy products and eggs is usually practiced. It is also possible to reduce portions of food or fast only on certain days of the week, for example, on Wednesdays and Fridays. This is done as a sign of repentance, self-denial and concentration on spiritual life.

However, avoiding certain foods is not the goal of fasting in itself. If there are health restrictions or the lifestyle involves stress, it is not necessary to follow all the instructions. The main thing is to clear your mind and thoughts, to remain honest before God and others.

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Whenever possible, it is important to help the poor and needy and not refuse those who ask. Many people give alms or participate in various charity events to provide help and support to their neighbors.

During Lent, some believers avoid various activities, such as going to theaters, cinemas, clubs, and other events that can distract from spiritual practice.

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