Lent begins on March 7. He prepared a list of fasting foods for seven days
This week the Russians are celebrating Maslenitsa (link to poster), which ends on March 6. On the same day, one of the most important Orthodox holidays falls – the Sunday of Atonement, after which the Great Fast begins. Let’s talk about the traditions and customs of forgiveness Sunday, and how to properly observe the requirements of the Great Fast.
A.D. The 2022 fast begins on March 7 and ends on April 23 Photo photo edit record
Who and how is forgiveness?
According to tradition, on the last Sunday before Lent, a person apologizes to anyone approaching him. It is common to kiss a friend three times during a meeting and to apologize. To answer this, you need to say, “God forgives, and I forgive.” This tradition can be seen in telephone conversations and letters.
Also, on Holy Sunday, Orthodox believers should go to the temple, read the text of Matthew’s Gospel, calling people to forgive their sins during the morning service. You can visit the graves of your loved ones and remember the past.
At the same time, the church recommends postponing any work other than cooking on this day if possible. Sorry Sunday, you don’t have to argue, think badly of others. This is an important day before Lent, it is important to be spiritually prepared for clearing your mind and abstaining from everything in the future.
How to Celebrate Lent
Lent is one of the most difficult challenges that believers face, and it involves not only food but also lifestyle and thinking in general. The clergy advise them to abstain from entertainment and all kinds of temptations, in order to have time for prayer and self-awareness. Not surprisingly, the Great Fast symbolized Jesus’ journey through the wilderness and the suffering He endured before His death on the cross.
When it comes to food during fasting, the rules here are very strict, especially in the first and last weeks. At the same time, it is important to understand that dietary restrictions do not affect your health — for example, for pregnant women, people who are weak or sick, the elderly, and people who are active in the menu.
Photo: Julia Lebedva
Foods allowed during Lent
- Vegetables;
- Fruits and berries;
- Grains;
- All kinds of grains;
- Almonds and dried fruits;
- Mushrooms;
- Black bread and refined bread;
- Greens;
- Honey;
- Egg and butter-free bakery products;
- Vegetable oil (permitted days)
- Fish and seafood (permitted days).
Which products are prohibited:
- Meat and poultry;
- Meat semi-finished products and sausages;
- Milk and dairy products, including butter and cheese;
- Eggs and all containing products;
- Alcoholic beverages;
- Muffins and sweets, including butter and eggs.
Believers also observe recipes: on some days of fasting, fresh foods are allowed, and on others, dry eating is prescribed.
Example of Lent menu
Monday
Breakfast: Oatmeal with fruit and honey
Lunch: fried egg with potatoes
Dinner: Vegetable soup
Tuesday
Breakfast: Hummus sandwiches
Lunch: Spaghetti with egg in tomato sauce
Dinner: Caesar salad with shrimp
Wednesday
Breakfast: Fruit salad with honey
Lunch: Cabbage roll filled with vegetables and grains
Dinner: Cream Cabbage Soup
Thursday
Breakfast: Delicious pilaf with dried fruits and berries
Lunch: Potato pot with mushrooms
Dinner: Couscous with vegetables
Friday:
Breakfast: Sorghum porridge with fruit and honey
Lunch: Potatoes with tomato sauce
Dinner: Ratatouille
Saturday
Breakfast: Vinaigrette
Lunch: Tomato Noodle Soup
Dinner: Pepper filled with rice and vegetables
Sunday
Breakfast: lean pancakes
Lunch: Gazpacho and carrot slices
Dinner: Carrot soup with onion