The Orthodox Christians who follow the Julian calendar on March 7 enter the White Week, which is the week before Lent. On this week, meat is not allowed. Only dairy and fish can be eaten so as to prepare the body to resist Lent.

Contacted by IPN, the bishop of “Saint Hierarch Nicolae” Church of Chisinau Petru Storoja said the fasting period actually started as the parishioners no longer eat meat. During the White Week, as during the whole Lent, the Christians are urged to take care of the soul and body too.  It is very important to try and avoid committing sins such as avarice, envy, pride, greediness, anger, laziness and debauchery and to sincerely repent.

During the White Week, wine is allowed and the priest recommends drinking it in moderate amounts. This week ends with the Forgiveness Sunday, when the priest, after reading from the Bible, mounts the pulpit and asks for forgiveness from the parishioners and forgives them himself. “Now that Lent is coming, we must first of all think about forgiveness, which is the daughter of love. Lent must be started with love and repentance,” said Petru Storoja.

Great Lent lasts for 49 days and is the strictest fasting season of the year. This year Lent starts on March 14, while Easter is celebrated on May 1.