Beginning of Orthodox Great Lent

February 23 · Level 1 · #2043 of 2238

Orthodox Great Lent begins a season of preparation for Easter through prayer, repentance and care for others. Following Forgiveness Sunday, it invites believers to examine their actions as well as what they eat.

How it is celebrated: worshippers attend penitential services, seek reconciliation and make time for charity. Fasting practices take health and circumstances into account. During the first four evenings, portions of the Great Canon of Andrew of Crete are read in church.

The forty days do not cover the entire stretch to Easter. Lazarus Saturday, Palm Sunday and Holy Week follow, extending the preparation beyond Lent’s forty-day core.

More holidays on February 23

• Defender of the Fatherland Day in Kyrgyzstan
• Defender of the Fatherland Day in Russia
• Defenders of the Fatherland and Armed Forces Day in Belarus
• Emperor’s Birthday in Japan
• Basel Carnival – Fasnacht
• World Understanding and Peace Day
• International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day
• Play Tennis Day
• Curling Is Cool Day