Orthodox Christians mark Meatfare Sunday on February 27. The feast falls on the Sunday eight weeks before Easter. A liturgy commemorating moments from the Early Life of Jesus Christ is served.

Traditionally, meat is eaten at dinner, after which no meat is eaten until after Lent. The week between Meatfare Sunday and Cheesefare Sunday is called sirnitsa and prepares Christians for the Great Lent. People are allowed to eat only dairy meals and egg meals during Sirnitsa. Weddings are allowed until Cheesefare Sunday. No church weddings are allowed between the Great Lent until Easter Tuesday.