Today is the first day of the longest fasting period in Orthodox Christian tradition. Strict fasting is observed during the first and last week, and apart from animal and dairy foods, which are excluded during the entire fasting period, vegetable fats such as oil and olive oil are not allowed either. Fish and invertebrates such as snails, mussels, etc. are allowed on March 25 (Annunciation) and April 28 (Palm Sunday). In order for the fasting to be salvific, it must be blessed by a priest who also guides people how to fast.
Pregnant women, children and people with health problems are exempt from fasting during the Great Lent. Fasting also implies abstinence from sinful and evil thoughts and deeds. Thus, the laity can welcome the Resurrection of Christ with pure hearts. This year Easter falls on May 5.
On 20 April, all Christians will celebrate the Resurrection of Christ. Against the backdrop of our divided and troubled world, Catholics, together with Orthodox Christians, Armenians and Protestants, will send a message of hope and share the joy of the..
Holy Saturday services begin on Friday evening with Vespers. The Church commemorates the burial of Christ the Saviour and His descent into hell to save the righteous who had died before His work of redemption. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, with..
On Good Friday, the saddest day for Christians, the liturgy commemorates the suffering, crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ, who sacrificed himself for the guilt and sins of humanity. The service at the Metropolitan Cathedral "St. Nedelya" in..
Partly Cloudy
Mostly Cloudy
Clear