Great Lent (Eastern Orthodox)

Today is the beginning of Great Lent in the Eastern Orthodox Christian church. One of my friends just converted to Eastern Orthodox when she got married, and she is observing it this year along with the food restrictions.

Great Lent always begins on a Monday which is referred to as "Clean Monday", 7 weeks before Pascha, or Easter, in the Orthodox church. Great Lent is so named to differentiate it from the Advent fasting period which is known as Little Lent.

Great Lent is a period of self-denial and is observed with strict abstinence from meat, dairy products, wine, and olive oil. Orthodox Christians also make a sacrifice during this period such as giving up a favorite food or other pleasure.

Lent is the period of time for self-examination, prayer and almsgiving, repentance and atonement.

Sources/More Info:

http://www3.kumc.edu/diversity/ethnic_relig/lent_eo.html

http://paul.goarch.org/en/ourfaith/articles/article8126.asp