The Lent for Orthodox Christians starts on March 7

The Orthodox Christians start the Lent on Monday, March 7, and this fast is considered the longest and the strictest. This tradition reminds of 40 days, which Jesus Christ had spent in the desert, overcoming the temptations. But the essence of the Lents is the internal spiritual purification and not just a restriction of foods.

During the whole Lent the Christian Church urges the believers to desist from meat, milk, eggs and fish. Fish is allowed only during the holidays of the Lady Day (April 7) and on the Palm Sunday (April 17). On Lazarus Saturday the believers may eat caviar (April 16 in 2011).

The Lent and the Holy Week will be finished with the Easter, the Resurrection of Christ, falling on April 24 in 2011.