Great and Holy Lent

Every year, Orthodox Christians prepare for the great feast of Pascha by observing the 40-day Lenten fast. Great Lent, or the Great Forty Days begins on the fourth Monday of Triodion, otherwise known as Clean Monday, and goes until the Friday before Palm Sunday. (This year, March 7th through April 16th). The period is marked not only by fasting, but a general increase in the spiritual disciplines. Great Lent is sometimes described as a three-legged stool, supported by the three "legs" of prayer, fasting, and alms-giving. It is the most penitential season of the Church year, and the greatest (both in length and in scope) of the four great fasts.

Great Lent is also marked by additional services, many of which are unique to the season. These include Great Compline, the Presanctified Liturgy, and the Akathist Hymn/Salutations to the Theotokos. 

For the Lenten service schedule, click here.

For the Holy Week service schedule, click here.

For more information and resources for Great Lent, click here.