Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

Great Lent begins

Photo: pravoslavie.bg

Today is the first day of the longest fasting period in Orthodox Christian tradition. Strict fasting is observed during the first and last week, and apart from animal and dairy foods, which are excluded during the entire fasting period, vegetable fats such as oil and olive oil are not allowed either. Fish and invertebrates such as snails, mussels, etc. are allowed on March 25 (Annunciation) and April 28 (Palm Sunday). In order for the fasting to be salvific, it must be blessed by a priest who also guides people how to fast.

 Pregnant women, children and people with health problems are exempt from fasting during the Great Lent. Fasting also implies abstinence from sinful and evil thoughts and deeds. Thus, the laity can welcome the Resurrection of Christ with pure hearts. This year Easter falls on May 5.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

80 years since the last bombing of Sofia

The last and most destructive bombing of Sofia during World War II took place on April 17, 80 years ago. In 1944, on April 17 at noon, 350 American bombers, accompanied by Thunderbolt and Mustang fighters, dropped 2,500 bombs on..

published on 4/17/24 1:26 PM

A documentary exhibition unveils the story of Catholics in Bulgaria

The exhibition "Catholics in Bulgaria XVII-XXI Century" is opening today at the National Library "Saints Cyril and Methodius".  The exhibition presents literary and documentary evidence in the National Library's collection of the literary heritage..

published on 4/17/24 7:40 AM

Muslims welcome Ramadan Bayram 

According to the 2021 census, almost 11% of the Bulgarian population, or about 639 000 people, identify themselves as Muslims, with the Turkish population alone accounting for 508 378 people. Most of the Muslim population lives in north-eastern Bulgaria..

published on 4/10/24 6:30 AM