Today, in the Orthodox Christian world, it is Clean Monday, the first day of Great Lent, which leads up to the most significant Christian holiday—Easter. The seven-week-long Holy Fast is a fundamental part of the Christian path, offering an opportunity for spiritual elevation over the physical, a victory of the soul over the body.
At midnight, the Easter Fast began. It is also called the Holy Fast because it encompasses the time of Christ’s suffering and crucifixion on the Holy Cross, or the Great Fast due to its special significance and length.
It always begins on a Monday—the first Monday of Lent is called Clean Monday, and the entire first week is known as Clean Week.
Fasting has always been practiced—in times of hardship, during war and suffering, and whenever people sought God’s mercy through prayer.
Even Jesus Christ fasted for 40 days and nights before beginning his preaching about the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven. Fasting should be done sincerely, without hypocrisy or the desire for human praise.
Until Easter fasting is observed with water only from Monday to Friday, with stricter fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays. On Saturdays and Sundays, oil and wine are allowed, while fish is permitted only on the feasts of the Annunciation (April 7) and Palm Sunday (April 9).
During Great Lent, believers dedicate themselves to repentance, forgiveness, and prayer, with the goal of preparing themselves worthily for the greatest Christian holiday.
A custom during the first week—Clean Week—is to thoroughly clean the entire house. It is also believed that starting major tasks today will bring success.
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Source: RTS, Photo: Pexels