On February 24, the Orthodox Christians enter the White Week, when they cannot eat meat. Eggs, milk, cheese and fish are allowed. The White Week precedes Lent that this year starts on March 3 and ends on April 20, on Easter, IPN reports.

On Sunday, March 2, the Christians go to church to pray for God’s forgiveness. The day is known as the Forgiveness Sunday.

Lent is the strictest fasting period of the year, when dairy and meat products are not allowed. It is a period of repentance and forgiveness of sins.