Serbian Orthodox Lenten Preparation

Spiritual Preparation for Great Lent in the Serbian Orthodox Tradition

Great Lent is the deepest and most significant time of the Orthodox faith. It is not just a time of renunciation, but a holy journey of inner purification and of drawing closer to God. But this journey does not begin with the strict fasting - the preparation period gives us the opportunity to carefully prepare our heart, mind and body for it.

Why is preparation time so important?

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it is often difficult to suddenly give up all your usual foods and mentally prepare yourself for fasting. That is why the Serbian Orthodox Church gives us a gradual approach - a gentle invitation to begin Lent consciously. This phase begins four weeks before the actual Lent and helps you prepare mentally and physically for what is to come.

The most important Sundays of preparation for the Great Fast

Meat Abstinence Sunday (Nedelja Mesopusna) – February 23, 2025

This Sunday marks the end of meat consumption . A last meal together with the family, accompanied by traditional dishes such as Čorba or pečenje. The Church reminds us of the **Last Judgement (Strašni sud)**, which plays a central role in the Orthodox tradition. On this day, the Gospel according to Matthew (25:31-46) is read in the services, reminding us of the importance of mercy and love for our neighbors. Preparing for fasting is not only physical, but also spiritual - we are called to reflect on our actions and open our hearts to the path of repentance. and invites us to see our lives and actions in a new light as we spiritually prepare for fasting.

Cheese Abstinence Sunday (Nedelja Siropusna) – March 2, 2025

One week later is the last day for dairy products, eggs and cheese . But the spiritual significance is even more important: It is also Forgiveness Sunday (Nedelja Praštanja) . On this day, Orthodox believers ask each other for forgiveness - because a pure heart is the best way to start Lent. After the liturgy, it is customary in the Serbian Orthodox tradition to greet each other with the words "Oprosti mi, brate/sestro" and thus consciously enter the fast with inner peace.

The beginning of Lent – ​​March 3, 2025

The strict fasting period begins with Purification Monday (Čisti ponedeljak) – a time of renunciation, discipline, but also deep renewal. The rules are clear:

No meat, no dairy products, no eggs – complete avoidance of animal products

No fish , except on two major holidays: Blagovesti (March 25th – Annunciation) and Cveti (April 13th – Palm Sunday)

No oil and no wine , except on Saturdays and Sundays (except Holy Saturday)

Yet fasting is much more than a change in diet. In the Serbian Orthodox tradition, it is accompanied by deep spiritual practices. These include daily prayers such as the Prayer of Saint Ephraim the Syrian, frequent participation in the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, and reading the Holy Scriptures and the writings of the Church Fathers. In addition, fasting is often combined with special family traditions, such as lighting candles together and exchanging blessings within the congregation. It is a call to prayer, charity, and inner purification . Believers are invited to:

Attend religious services regularly – especially the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, which offers a profound spiritual experience during Lent

Pray more and read the Holy Scriptures , especially Psalms and the Gospel

Confession and Communion to cleanse the heart of sins

Practicing charity , be it through donations, helping those in need or small good deeds in everyday life

How to Experience Lent with an Open Heart

These weeks are an invitation to abstain not only from food but also from worldly distractions. Use this time to draw closer to God, to let go of old burdens and to approach the resurrection of Christ with a pure heart. The Serbian Orthodox tradition offers many opportunities to deepen faith - from praying together in the family to more intensive services in the churches.

Lent is a time of change, reflection and renewal . It does not begin suddenly, but invites us to enter into this spiritual process step by step. Those who consciously tune in during the preparation period will experience the spiritual fruits of fasting much more deeply.