Lent, which is the strictest and longest fasting period of the year, this year begins on March 15 and ends on May 2, when Easter will be observed. The Christians are urged to clean their mind, body and soul by prayer and abstinence from food products of animal origin, IPN reports.

The sick, elderly people, pregnant women and children are allowed to eat certain prohibited products, except for Wednesdays and Fridays and the first and last weeks. Though priests urge the faithful to abstain from eating in excess, they say Lent is rather a period of prayer and repentance.

Contacted by IPN for details, the bishop of the Saint Teodora de la Sihla Church Ion Ciuntu said Lent is an important period for those who want to have their sins forgiven. For the purpose, the Christians should pray and adopt a special style of life, communication and action as this will make them more resistant in front of difficulties and will protect them from evil. On the Annunciation and on Palm Sunday, those who fast are allowed to eat fish.

Wedding ceremonies are not welcome during the Great Lent. Christening ceremonies are held on any day of the year. Given the pandemic, the christening ceremonies and the services take place by strictly obeying the anti-pandemic measures, said Ioan Ciuntu, assuring all the people will wear a mask and will maintain physical distancing during the services.

There are four main periods of extended fasting during the year: the Great Lent, the Nativity Fast, the Apostles’ Fast, and the Dormition Fast.