Orthodox Christians on February 12 entered the White Week, which is the week preceding Lent. Meat in this period is not allowed. Only dairy products, eggs and fish can be eaten, IPN reports.

Contacted by IPN, priest Eugen Onicov, of the Chisinau Church “Saint Pantelimon”, said the White Week is a period of preparation for fasting during Lent, both spiritually and physically. This year Lent begins on February 19.

During the first week of Lent, those who can do not eat until sunset. Those who cannot are urged to eat dry or boiled food. “The services are special this week. They are longer and include songs from the Book of Triad. The parishioners are reminded that we are connected to earth by sin and, by getting up after kneeling, we rise from the lost state caused by sinning,” said the priest.

Wine and oil are allowed on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Fish could also be eaten on the feast of the Entry of Our Lord into Jerusalem, Palm Sunday, which is observed on April 1. The Feast of Annunciation this year falls on March 7, which is on Passion Saturday, and fish is not allowed on this day.

Lent lasts for 40 days until Easter and is the strictest fasting season of the year. This year Easter is celebrated on April 8.