The Orthodox Christians are now in the White Week that precedes Lent. Meat is not allowed and only dairy products, eggs and fish can be now eaten. The Christians are urged to prepare spiritually for Lent.

Contacted by IPN for details, priest Petru Storoja, of Saint Hierarch Nicolae Church, said meat cannot be eaten since March 7, while dairy products cannot be eaten since March 14. March 15 is the first day of Lent.

The ordinary services are held at churches throughout the week. Next Sunday, when White Week ends, it will be the Sunday of Forgiveness so that everyone could enter Lent forgiven. “Lent without forgiveness, mercy and prayer is not a proper period of fasting,” stated the priest.

Petru Storoja noted that the prisoners should correctly wear a mask given the pandemic. When taking communion, the teaspoon is disinfected after each parishioner. The Christians are asked to maintain social distancing and to refrain from kissing the icons.