Great Lent: Five Major Misconceptions

Orthodox Monday begins Lent. Every year it is accompanied by numerous disputes about what can and cannot be eaten, how to dress, and so on.
Strictly according to the charter

This year, only 11 percent of Russians intend to observe the Great Lent. “Typical fasting,” according to VTsIOM, is a woman over 45 years old. Most Russians, according to the survey, are not going to limit themselves to anything.

“Every fifth (20 percent) has not yet decided, and 66 percent, on the contrary, know for sure that they will not limit themselves in food and actions,” sociologists say.

Perhaps many are not so much afraid of the duration as the severity of fasting. In the first two days it is supposed to completely refuse food, and then allow yourself no more than two meals a day – this is what the church charter says (Typicon). Continue reading →