Lent is the period of 40 days that comes before Easter. This is the longest and strictest fasting season of the year. This year Lent ends on April 23, priest Octavian Moșin, of the Meeting of God Church of the State University of Moldova, has told IPN.

“The return to life of Jesus Christ and life with resurrected Christ is the essence of the life of a Christian. This period preceding Easter is divided into three parts. We had three preparatory weeks before lent, followed by six fasting weeks before Palm Sunday that this year is celebrated on April 17, and Passion Week that is the strictest fasting period,” said the priest.

Lent consists of three components – abstention from food, drinks, amusement and everything that fuels passions and sins, prayer that makes the people stronger inside and closer to God, and mercy or alms. Lent should lead to an improvement in spiritual life. It should help the people become better, kinder and more penitent. Real Lent is when one not only repents, but also brings peace to society. Peace is now needed more than ever, noted Octavian Moșin.  

Lent started on March 7. Fish is allowed on Annunciation, April 7, and on Palm Sunday, April 17.