Hey there! If you’re curious about Orthodox Lent—often called Great Lent—and want a friendly rundown of how it all works, you’ve come to the right place. In the next sections, we’ll explore what makes this special time of fasting so important for Orthodox Christians. We’ll look at how it leads us to Holy Week and Holy Pascha, and how simple changes in our eating habits, prayer life, and mindset can transform our spiritual journey.

1. Great Lent Purpose
Think of Great Lent as a “spiritual detox” for Orthodox Christians. We aim to break free from the habits and passions that hold us back—whether it’s indulging in too many sweets or facing deeper addictions. As we clear these obstacles, our hearts become more receptive to Christ’s teachings, and we prepare for the joy of Holy Pascha.
Spiritual Detox and Detachment
Spiritual Detox and Detachment
We give up certain comforts—like cutting back on dairy products or avoiding olive oil on a strict fast day—to simplify our routine and refocus on prayer. This act of letting go isn’t meant to punish us. It’s designed to free our minds so that we can truly examine ourselves and draw closer to God.
Following Christ’s Example
Following Christ’s Example
We reflect on the Lord’s 40-day fast in the desert, where He faced the devil’s temptations. And we do the same with our own struggles in the context of the current world, but we’re never alone. We share this journey with fellow parishioners, attend services like the Presanctified Liturgy on a Tuesday evening, and consult our spiritual fathers for guidance and confession.
Relying on Church and Community
Relying on Church and Community
The fast is just one part of the picture. We also pray more, read from the Old Testament, and seek greater participation in the life of the Church—like experiencing the divine liturgy or planning a simple lenten meal. By supporting each other, whether in the city of New York or anywhere else, we reinforce our bonds as members of the Body of Christ.
As we journey through this great fast, we slowly set aside the noise in our lives and open a path to deeper prayer and repentance. By the time Holy Pascha arrives, our hearts are ready to celebrate Christ’s Resurrection with renewed hope and freedom.
A Must Read:

Book: Great Lent Paperback (A. Schmemann)
Buy Now →
2. Great Lent Fasting Rules
The lenten general rules are designed to help us practice discipline, humility, and love. If you’re new to these guidelines, don’t worry. They become more natural as you understand their purpose. The church fathers emphasize that fasting must always pair with prayer and charitable acts. If it’s only about food restrictions, we miss the bigger picture.
What can I eat during Orthodox Lent?
What can I eat during Orthodox Lent?
During Great Lent, the kinds of foods allowed typically include:
- Vegetables and Fruits: Fresh, frozen, or dried
- Legumes and Grains: Beans, lentils, rice, quinoa, barley
- Vegetable Oil (except Olive Oil): Though in some traditions, Olive oil is avoided on weekdays
- Seafood without a Backbone: Shellfish like shrimp or crab are often permitted on certain specific days
Many people plan simple lenten meal options to stay focused on prayer rather than obsessing over elaborate recipes. On certain feast days like Palm Sunday or the Feast of the Annunciation, fish or wine may be allowed, depending on local practice.
What is forbidden on Lent?
What is forbidden on Lent?
The most common restrictions are:
- Meat (beef, pork, chicken, etc.)
- Dairy products (milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, etc.)
- Eggs (though practices vary slightly in different jurisdictions)
- Olive oil
Most alcoholic drinks are also avoided or limited, especially on weekdays of Great Lent. The emphasis is on simplicity and a mindful approach to eating.
Can you drink alcohol during Orthodox Lent?
Can you drink alcohol during Orthodox Lent?
Yes. On weekends and specific feast days some traditions allow a little wine. Moderation is the key though. Alcoholic drinks—especially wine—are usually restricted on weekdays of Great Lent. Again, always follow local lenten fast rules and your priest’s advice.
What exempts you from fasting?
What exempts you from fasting?
Some situations call for a modified or relaxed fast.
Possible exemptions might include:
- Health Conditions: Chronic illnesses, severe anemia, or medical needs
- Pregnancy and Nursing: Ensuring both mother and child remain healthy
- Elderly or Infirm: Those who need extra nutrition due to age or medical treatments
- Children: Young kids often follow a more gradual introduction to fasting
- Extreme Work Conditions: Certain jobs or a place of employment that require physical labor may allow dietary adjustments
If you believe you fall into any of these groups, speak with your priest or spiritual advisor. They can guide you on how best to approach lenten rules without harming your well-being.

3. Duration of Great Lent
Great Lent is often described as 40 days, echoing the 40 days our Lord Jesus Christ spent fasting in the desert (Matthew 4:1–2). However, the total fasting period is longer when we include the preparatory weeks of the Triodion (before Lent) and Holy Week itself (after Lent).
- Triodion weeks: A 3 week period of preparation before Clean Monday. During the final two Sundays—Meatfare and Cheesefare—Orthodox Christians begin adjusting their diets.
- Great Lent: Great Lent spans 40 days, from Clean Monday to the Friday before Lazarus Saturday, mirroring Christ’s 40-day fast in the desert.
- Holy Week: Holy Week lasts 8 days, beginning with Lazarus Saturday and ending on Holy Saturday, preparing us for the Feast of the Resurrection of Christ.
In total, this fasting seasons lasts 48 days (Great Lent and Holy Week), not counting the Triodion weeks. Don’t let that length discourage you, though. The purpose is spiritual growth, not simply counting days. After Holy Pascha, we celebrate Bright Week, a full seven days of non-fasting to honor the Resurrection without any dietary restrictions.

4. Great Lent History
Great Lent has a long, rich story. Let’s take a look at how it evolved from the Old Testament into the practice we have today—without tying our tongues in knots.
Fasting in the Old Testament
Fasting in the Old Testament
Fasts are mentioned throughout the Old Testament. Moses fasted 40 days on Mount Sinai before receiving the Ten Commandments (Exodus 34:28). The Prophet Elijah journeyed for 40 days on just one meal (1 Kings 19:8). The people of Nineveh fasted and repented (Jonah 3:5). Each time, fasting served as a living symbol of man turning toward God in repentance, humility, and faith.
Christ’s Example and the Early Church
Christ’s Example and the Early Church
The biggest influence on our 40-day fast is Christ’s own 40-day fast in the desert (Matthew 4:1–2). Jesus shows us that fasting isn’t about punishing ourselves. It’s about aligning our hearts with God’s will and preparing for important spiritual moments—like proclaiming the Gospel of Christ.
After Christ’s Resurrection, the early church began to formalize fasting periods. Over time, local councils and the universal life of the church shaped these practices into the great fast we see today. By the eleventh centuries, communities across the world had largely embraced a 40-day Lenten season, influenced by the wisdom of the church fathers and traditions from the monasteries of the orthodox church.
Today, we keep these traditions because we see real value in them. They make us step outside our comfort zone and awaken our need for God. The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and other jurisdictions carry forward these practices, offering an informative experience each year. Through it, we learn about humility, compassion, and the path to our own resurrection in Christ.
5. Great Lent Dates
The dates for Great Lent shift each year, based on the timing of Holy Pascha. Understanding the flow is easier if we divide it into three main periods—Triodion Weeks, Great Lent, and Holy Week. Each Sunday has its own theme, helping us dive deeper into the season. Let’s break it down:
Triodion Weeks (3 weeks)
Triodion Weeks (3 weeks)
This is the warm-up phase. It includes several Sundays that gradually prepare us for the fast.
- Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee: The theme is humility. We compare the arrogance of the Pharisee with the contrite heart of the Publican. We start to think about our own need for repentance. The rules about fasting aren’t yet strict here.
- Sunday of the Prodigal Son: The theme is Repentance and God’s mercy. Reflect on God’s boundless love for us, no matter how far we’ve strayed.
- Meatfare Sunday: The theme is The Last Judgment. It’s the last Sunday to eat meat (for most). After this day, many Orthodox Christians drop meat from their diets in preparation for Lent.
- Cheesefare Sunday: The theme is forgiveness. We ask one another for forgiveness and say goodbye to dairy products. Next day is Clean Monday, marking the official start of Great Lent.
Great Lent (40 Days)
Great Lent (40 Days)
- Sixth Weeks of Lent: Culminates with Lazarus Saturday and Palm Sunday—the moment when Great Lent’s 40 days officially end.
- Clean Monday: Begins the 40-day great fast. Some traditions observe it as a total fast day.
- First Week of Lent: Known for intense spiritual focus. Many attend the Great Compline service or the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts on Tuesday evening or other weekdays.
- Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas (2nd Sunday): Focus on the power of prayer and the experience of God’s light.
- Sunday of the Veneration of the Cross (3rd Sunday): We pause to venerate the Cross as our strength in the middle of the Lenten journey.
- Sunday of St. John Climacus (4th Sunday): We reflect on spiritual growth, often guided by St. John’s “Ladder of Divine Ascent.”
- Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt (5th Sunday): A model of extreme repentance.
Holy Week (8 Days)
Holy Week (8 Days)
- Holy Saturday: The day Christ rests in the tomb. Evening services lead us into the dramatic midnight celebration of Christ’s Resurrection—Holy Pascha.
- Lazarus Saturday: Celebrates Christ raising Lazarus from the dead, showing His power over death.
- Palm Sunday: Jesus enters Jerusalem in triumph. We often partake in fish on this feast day, depending on local guidelines.
- Holy Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: Commemorate key events in Jesus’ final days, with special services each evening.
- Holy Thursday: Marks the Last Supper and institution of the Eucharist. We often gather for the Divine Liturgy and reflect on Christ’s humility in washing the disciples’ feet.
- Holy Friday: A strict and solemn day remembering the Crucifixion. Many keep a whole day or near-complete fast.
With each week, the Orthodox Christian Faith sets a theme. These themes remind us of God’s mercy, our call to repentance, and our aim to celebrate the Feast of the Resurrection of Christ with a pure heart and mind.
A Must Read:

Book: Tending the Garden of Our Hearts: Daily Lenten Meditations for Families
Buy Now →6. How to do Great Lent
Great Lent revolves around three main pillars: fasting, prayers, and almsgiving. Each plays a key role in our spiritual life during this season.
Fasting
Fasting
This seasons is about cutting back on passions and comforts that distract us, starting with "comfort foods." We avoid meat, dairy products, and other rich fare. We also limit alcoholic drinks and minimize or skip olive oil and other oils on weekdays. But we also walk away from other passions such as social media dependence, binge watching TV, etc.
How to Fast Effectively
- Spiritual Tip: Fasting without prayer is like dieting. Use the hunger pangs as a reminder to turn your heart to God.
- Plan Ahead: Stock up on grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables. Prepare full meals in advance so you’re not tempted to grab fast food.
- Stay Balanced: Try to eat nutrient-dense foods like beans, lentils, and leafy greens. This helps you remain healthy and energetic.
- Keep It Simple: Focus on a simple lenten meal approach. Spend less time cooking fancy dishes and more time in prayer
Prayers
Prayers
Prayer is the heart of our faith. During Great Lent, we focus more on personal prayer, adding the prayer of St. Ephraim and the Small Compline to our prayer routine. And we attend more of the services offered in our parishes.
How to Pray More Deeply:
- Spiritual Tip: Keep a journal of insights you gain during prayer or a passage that stood out to you at a service. This encourages consistent growth.
- Set a Routine: Dedicate a half hour each morning or evening for quiet prayer or reading from the Old Testament or the Gospel of Christ.
- Attend Services: Make time for Gospel readings and the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts on weekdays. It’s a special chance to receive Holy Communion during Lent.
- Reflect on Themes: Each Sunday of Lent comes with a theme (like St. Gregory Palamas or the Veneration of the Cross). Meditate on these and see how they apply to your spiritual life.
Almsgiving
Almsgiving
It is about sharing your resources—time, money, or kindness—with those in need. This ties in closely with love of neighbor and the great commandments.
How to Practice Almsgiving:
- Spiritual Tip: Remember that giving is not about pride. It’s an extension of God’s love, so do it quietly and joyfully.
- Save and Share: Money you save from not buying meat and richer foods can be directed to a local charity or parish outreach.
- Volunteer: Find an organization or a community service project in your city. Lend a hand and meet real needs.
- Be Mindful: Look for daily opportunities to help. Simple acts of kindness—like cooking for a neighbor or offering a ride—matter a lot.

Final Take Away
Orthodox Lent may sound demanding, but it’s really an invitation to rediscover a simpler, more prayerful life. By focusing on fasting, prayers, and almsgiving, we prepare our hearts for Holy Pascha, the brightest and most joyful great feast of the entire year.
Pick one pillar to improve—maybe you’ll plan a week’s worth of Lenten meals, or you’ll commit to praying the Great Compline service, or you’ll set aside a bit of money to help someone in need. Each step draws you closer to God.
And by the time we reach the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection, your soul will be ready to shout, “Christ is Risen!” with genuine joy.
Watch This Video
Here is a great YouTube video on Great Lent:
Frequently Asked Questions
Orthodox Christians often follow stricter lenten rules, which may include abstaining from dairy products and olive oil on specific days. The great fast usually starts on Clean Monday and leads into holy week, while Catholics begin on Ash Wednesday. Orthodox traditions also focus on services like the presanctified liturgy and emphasize a total fast on certain weekdays of great lent.
According to the church fathers, the Orthodox Christian Faith teaches that all sins can be forgiven if we truly repent. Some references highlight blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, final impenitence, and despair of God’s mercy. But the entire life of the church calls us to a voluntary way of seeking forgiveness, trusting that with genuine repentance, nothing is beyond God’s compassion.
Eggs are typically avoided by many Orthodox jurisdictions, including the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. This can vary by eparchy of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople or local tradition. If you have health concerns about the amount of food you remove, speak with a spiritual father for guidance.
Honey is usually permitted because it does not come from dairy products or meat. It can sweeten a simple lenten meal without breaking general rules. Many believers use it as an alternative to sugar or other sweeteners during the first week of lent and beyond.
The key prayers at home during Great Lent are the Prayer of St. Ephraim and the Small Compline. We recite the Prayer of St. Ephraim each weekday, often with bows or prostrations, to focus on humility and repentance. We also pray the Small Compline in the evening, asking God for mercy and guidance through the night. These prayers help us deepen our spiritual life and strengthen our connection to Christ as we prepare for Holy Pascha.
Dylan Rosario
Hey! I just wanted to ask you a question. I'm 15 years of age trying to figure out Orthodoxy. My question is, what time can Orthodox Christians begin breaking their fast for lent.
Thank you.
toliva
Hey Dylan!
First off, let me just say how fantastic it is that you're exploring Orthodoxy at such a young age. It's a beautiful journey of faith, and I'm genuinely excited for you to discover its richness and depth.
Regarding your question about when Orthodox Christians can break their fast for Lent: typically, the fast ends with the beginning of Pascha (Easter), starting at midnight of Holy Saturday, after the Paschal Vigil service. This is a joyful service leading into Easter Sunday, marking the end of Lent and the time to break the fast.
However, it's crucial to get guidance tailored to you, especially since you're exploring your faith and fasting practices can vary. The best course of action is to talk to the priest at your church. They'll provide advice that considers your personal health and spiritual journey, ensuring your fasting experience is both meaningful and manageable.
Remember, you're not alone in this. If you have any questions about fasting or anything else, your church community is a supportive place to seek answers.
Take care and best wishes on your spiritual journey!
IG Mass DM Service
I am genuinely amazed by the deep insights and stellar writing style. The knowledge you share clearly stands out in each paragraph. It's clear that you invest a great deal of effort into delving into your topics, and the results pays off. Thanks for providing such detailed information. Keep on enlightening us!
Thierry
Wow, thank you so much for your kind words! I'm genuinely touched by your appreciation. It means a lot to hear that you find the insights and writing style engaging and informative.
I do put a lot of effort into researching and presenting the topics, so it's incredibly rewarding to know that it resonates with readers like you. Your encouragement motivates me to keep digging deep and sharing more detailed information.
Thanks again for your support and for being a part of this community. I'll definitely keep on enlightening!
Best,
Thierry
Harvey
Good post. I learn something new and challenging on websites I stumbleupon every day. It will always be useful to read content from other authors and practice a little something from their web sites.
Thierry
Hi Harvey!
Thanks so much for your kind words! I'm really glad you enjoyed the post and found it useful. It's always great to learn from each other and discover new perspectives. If you ever have any questions or need more tips on fasting or recipes, feel free to reach out. Happy reading and cooking!
Best,
Thierry
Felix Meyer
This is top-notch! I wonder how much effort and time you have spent to come up with these informative posts.
Thierry
Hi Felix,
Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the "Holy Orthodox Church: The Great Lent Ultimate Fasting Guide" post. It definitely takes a good amount of time and effort to put these together, but knowing that they are helpful and appreciated makes it all worth it. If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to reach out. Thanks again for your lovely comment!
Best,
Thierry