For all Orthodox Christians, the Holy Season of Lent begins on the First Sunday in Lent, and the Lenten fast begins a few days prior. For Byzantine Orthodox Christians, the First Day of the Great Fast is on the Monday before the First Sunday in Lent; and for Western Orthodox Christians the Lenten fast begins on the Wednesday before, commonly known as Ash Wednesday.
Continue reading “Orthodox Ash Wednesday”Preparing for the Feast
In earliest times, the preparation for the Feast of our Lord’s Resurrection consisted of forty hours of prayer vigil in the church, and a strict fast from all food and drink. The vigil and fast began after the Maundy Thursday communion and concluded with the Easter celebration very early Sunday morning.