If you’ve ever wondered why Orthodox Christians suddenly cut out meat after a certain Sunday, you’re in the right place. Meatfare is the last week you can have meat products before Great Lent, and it’s packed with meaning, tradition, and a warm sense of community.
🍖 Let’s Dive Into Meatfare
Meatfare—often called Meatfare Sunday or the Sunday of the Last Judgment—marks the last day Orthodox Christians traditionally eat meat before the commencement of Great Lent. Throughout the life of the Church, there are specific points in the year where we shift our diet to help us focus on prayer, repentance, and charity. Meatfare Week is one such time.
By understanding the context of the current world and the deeper meaning behind these traditions, we can grow spiritually while enjoying the delicious (and final) bites of our favorite meat products before heading into the strict fast.
Check out our post on the Triodion to discover how these weeks of preparation guide us into a deeper spiritual journey before Great Lent:
☦ What Is Meatfare All About?
1. Understanding the Basics
Meatfare is often referred to as the Sunday of the Last Judgment because the Gospel reading for this day focuses on the future judgment of all persons (Matthew 25:31–46). It’s also the third Sunday of a three-week period leading up to Great Lent, preceded by the Sunday of the Publican and the Sunday of the Prodigal Son, and followed by Cheesefare Sunday.
Key Points to Remember:
- Last Day for Meat: After Meatfare Sunday, we abstain from meat products to begin preparing our hearts and minds for the lenten season.
- Liturgical Significance: The Lenten Triodion, a primary liturgical book, guides us through these weeks. It includes hymns and readings that encourage repentance and reflection on the Second Coming of the Savior.
- Spiritual Framework: By giving up meat, we are reminded of the presence of God in every aspect of our life—including our meals.
2. Can You Eat Meat on Meatfare?
Yes! During Meatfare Week, you are still allowed to eat meat—just be mindful that this period is intended as a gentle shift toward the beginning of Lent. Think of it like a spiritual warm-up. Once Meatfare Saturday and Meatfare Sunday have passed, we officially stop eating meat. The following week is sometimes called Cheesefare Week because dairy products are still permitted, but meat is no longer on the menu. This period bridges us to Forgiveness Sunday and then the full fast of Great Lent.
Practical Tips for Transition:
- Enjoy Family Meals: Plan a special meal for Meatfare Sunday where everyone shares their favorite meat dishes. Make it a time of togetherness and gratitude.
- Gradual Adjustment: Start reducing meat portions during the final week before Meatfare to ease into the dietary changes.
- Explore Alternatives: If you find it hard to cut out meat abruptly, focus on flavor-packed vegan recipes that use olive oil, beans, and vegetables.
3. Why We Observe Meatfare Week
Biblically, Meatfare Sunday emphasizes the parable of our Lord Jesus Christ about the final judgment, where the King (Christ) separates people as a shepherd separates sheep from goats (Matthew 25:31–46). This passage highlights the foundation of the world, the throne of God, and the eternal destiny—often depicted as the river of fire or the eternal passover. The ultimate question is whether we served our neighbor, thus serving Christ Himself. This is not a mere humanitarian concern but a reflection of the God of love and our personal cooperation with Him.
Connecting It to Real Life:
- Caring for Others: As we contemplate the judgment seat and the holy angels, Meatfare reminds us to serve the needs of others—physically and spiritually.
- Personal Reflection: Examine how you treat the human person in daily life—your family, friends, and even strangers.
- Focus on Repentance: Meatfare sets the stage for a time of greater devotion, preparing us to stand before the only-begotten divine Son in humility.
⛪ Liturgical Themes and Spiritual Reflections
1. Sunday of the Last Judgment
Known as Meatfare Sunday, this is the theme of this Sunday in the Orthodox Church. The focus is on the final judgment—the day when all stand before the throne of God in the presence of God. The parable of the last judgment answers questions about how we should live, emphasizing personal love and kindness to the least among us.
How It Shapes Our Spiritual Life:
- Compassion: The holy spirit works in us to grow in love for others, making our fasting meaningful.
- Awareness: We become aware of the framework of our personal existence, recognizing we’re accountable to God for how we live.
- Hope: Though the Second Coming of the Savior is a solemn event, it’s also filled with hope because of God’s mercy and God’s patience.
2. From Meatfare to Cheesefare
The next Sunday, called Cheesefare Sunday, continues the transition. Dairy products are still allowed, but not meat. This is also known as Forgiveness Sunday, an invitation to mend relationships, forgive one another, and enter Lent free of grudges.
Practical Resources:
- Services of the Church: Attend Great Vespers on Saturday evening and the Divine Liturgy on Sunday. Many local parishes also hold a memorial service on Meatfare Saturday for departed loved ones.
- Church Teachings: The website of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and the Orthodox Observer often provide extra insights, meditations, and recipes.
- Books and Prayer Guides: There are popular book options like the Lenten Triodion commentary to help you engage with the rich hymns and themes of this season.
3. Cultural Insights
Many Orthodox traditions—such as the Greek Orthodox Church or any local autocephalous Orthodox Christian church—have unique customs around Meatfare. In some cultures, entire families gather to share a festive meal full of favorite meat products before they become off-limits.
Ideas to Try:
- Share Online: Post your Meatfare Week experiences on social media to inspire others.
- Community Gatherings: Some parishes or national ministries host potlucks. Check if your mission of the archdiocese or eparchy of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople offers such gatherings.
- Family Devotions: Read the Gospel of Christ together and discuss how the parable of the last judgment answers our call to love.
🍲 Preparing for the Commencement of Great Lent
Meatfare is not just about abstaining from certain foods; it’s about preparing our hearts for the days of Holy Week and the holy mysteries to come. Fasting is meant to draw us closer to Christ—to deepen our reliance on Him and shape us into disciples of all nations who reflect His love in a religious life that honors the name of the Father.
1. Practical Steps
- Meal Planning: Use the final week of meat consumption to clear your pantry of non-fasting items.
- Spiritual Reading: Dive into the Lenten Triodion or other Orthodox resources—consider reading about the mission of the Orthodox Church in the United States of America or in the city of New York.
- Community Support: Connect with friends in your local parish for encouragement. Many people find informative experience through fellowship and shared meals.
2. Linking Fasting and Prayer
Fasting without prayer can become an empty ritual. Combine your fasting with prayer for the spiritual needs of the Greek Orthodox Christian community worldwide. This approach ensures your fast is not just about “giving up” something, but about growing in love and humility.
✨ Final Take Away
Meatfare Week is more than just the last day to eat meat before Lent; it’s a special commemoration that prepares our hearts for the beginning of Lent and the deeper call to repentance found in the Lenten Triodion. By reflecting on the future judgment of all persons, we remember how important it is to show love to others—especially in the context of the current world where our service and compassion can be a tiny part of the kingdom of God.
Ready to Dive Deeper?
Watch the video “Sunday of the Last Judgment – Meatfare Sunday” by Holy Resurrection for a fuller look into the powerful themes and traditions of Meatfare. It’s a great next step to enrich your spiritual journey and connect with the deeper meaning of this important day.
If you found this helpful, share it with friends or on social media, or visit the website of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America for more resources. May we all grow closer to the name of the father, the Son, and the holy spirit as we prepare to celebrate the days of holy week leading to Holy Pascha. Enjoy Meatfare, and let’s journey toward life eternal together!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Meatfare Sunday, also referred to as the Sunday of the Last Judgment, is the day that marks the final time Orthodox Christians can traditionally eat meat products before Great Lent. It’s part of the third Sunday of a three-week period leading up to the start of the Lenten season, carrying themes of reflection and accountability based on Christ’s parable of the Last Judgment.
Meatfare Sunday usually falls on the second Sunday before Great Lent begins. Its exact date can vary each year depending on the Orthodox calendar. In most local parishes, the service focuses on the theme of Christ’s future judgment of all persons, reminding us to show love and mercy to one another.
Yes! You are encouraged to enjoy meat dishes on Meatfare Sunday. This is your last day to have meat before transitioning into the next phase—Cheesefare Week—when dairy products are still permitted but meat is set aside in preparation for the more austere fasting of Great Lent.
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