Lent – 2026: when does it begin, what can and cannot be done

In 2026, believers will keep Lent from February 23 to April 11. Great Lent is the longest and strictest period of the church year, which precedes Easter and is designed to prepare believers for the Bright Resurrection of Christ through prayer, repentance and abstinence. All the details are in the Izvestia article.

The history and meaning of Lent

Lent is established in memory of the 40-day fast of Jesus Christ in the desert. According to the Gospel, the Savior retired to the desert after his baptism in the Jordan River, where he spent 40 days in prayer and abstinence, overcoming temptations.

The tradition of fasting developed gradually in the first centuries of Christianity. Already in the fourth century, the church established a 40-day period of preparation for Easter. Over time, Holy Week was added to it, a week dedicated to remembering the last days of Christ's earthly life.

Thus, Lent lasts for 48 days and consists of Lent and Holy Week. Its spiritual meaning lies not only in food restrictions, but above all in the inner transformation of a person, cleansing from sins and strengthening faith.

Traditions: from worship services to folk customs

Church life takes on a special character during the days of Lent. Lengthy divine services are held in churches, the Great Penitential Canon of St. Andrew of Crete is read, and the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is served. Special attention is paid to confession and communion.

Each week has its own spiritual content. The first and last weeks are considered the strictest. Believers are advised to visit the temple more often, participate in the sacraments and take time to read the Holy Scriptures.

Along with the church traditions, folk customs have also developed. In the old days, during the lent period, noisy amusements, weddings and mass celebrations were abandoned. The household became more restrained, and free time was devoted to work and prayer. In the peasant environment, fasting was perceived as a time of ordering life. People tried to complete the business they had started, put their house in order, and reconcile with relatives and neighbors.

Strong prayers for Forgiveness Sunday – 2026: what to read at home and in church

In the evening, the rite of forgiveness is performed in churches and penitential prayers are performed.

What can I do during Lent?

The main thing during Lent is to focus on the spiritual side of life. The clergy emphasize that fasting is not a diet, but a voluntary restriction for the sake of internal discipline and self—improvement.

Believers are advised to pray more often, read spiritual literature, and participate in worship services. Repentance, reflection on one's actions and the desire for reconciliation with others occupy an important place.

From the point of view of the church charter, abstinence from animal products is prescribed on weekdays. On certain days, allowances are allowed — for example, fish is allowed on Annunciation (April 7) and Palm Sunday (April 5). However, the severity of fasting is determined taking into account a person's state of health and life circumstances.

The Church reminds us that charity and helping those in need are an integral part of the lenten feat. Good deeds and caring for others are seen as an important manifestation of the Christian life.

What not to do in Lent

During Great Lent, believers are not allowed to eat meat, fish, eggs and dairy products. In addition, excesses and secular entertainment should be abandoned, as they contradict the spiritual meaning of fasting. It is also not recommended during this period.:

• arrange noisy parties and attend entertainment events;
• getting married (the sacrament of marriage is not performed during the days of fasting);
• abuse even lean food;
• allow quarrels, judgment, and aggressive behavior;
• to neglect worship services without a valid reason.

Prayers during Lent

During Great Lent, a special place is occupied by the prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian, which is read at divine services and at home. She turns to God with a request to get rid of idleness, despondency and lust for power, to grant humility, patience and love.

"O Lord and Master of my life, do not give me the spirit of idleness, despondency, love, and idle talk.
But grant me, Your servant, the spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love. To her, O Lord, the King, grant me to see my transgressions and not to condemn my brother, for you are blessed forever and ever. Amen to that."

It is also recommended to read the prayers "May my prayer be corrected..." and "Open the doors of repentance to me, O Giver of Life..."

During this period, special attention is paid to the reading of the Psalter and the Gospel. Confessors advise setting aside time for personal prayer every day, even if it is limited to a few minutes.

Great Lent remains a time of special spiritual concentration for millions of Orthodox believers. Its significance goes beyond the calendar tradition and is connected with the internal preparation for the main Christian holiday — Easter.