The Orthodox Christians who follow the Julian calendar on February 20 enter the White Week, which is the week before Lent. During this week, meat is not allowed. Only dairy and fish can be eaten so as to prepare the body to resist Lent.

Victor Ceresau, priest of the State University’s Church “Meeting of God”, has told IPN that dairy, eggs and fish can be eaten throughout this week. On the White Week, the faithful prepare physically for easier switching over from meat to vegetal food because the first week of Lent includes strict fasting days.

No Divine Liturgy services and wedding ceremonies are held on this week. Besides preparing the body, the Christians prepare spiritually for fasting by prayer. The priest called on the parishioners to follow the teachings of the Bible before Lent and to do good and avoid evil.

“Everyone fasts for oneself and makes a sacrifice for the soul. The Christians should realize that fasting is not a tradition or custom, but is a necessity for coming closer to God,” stated Victor Ceresau.

He also said that fasting should be useful and no fasting period is easy as it is accompanied by temptations given the experienced constraints and everyone should know what they are fasting for.

Easter this year is celebrated on April 16.