GREAT FAST BEGINS TODAY: NO DAIRY OR ANIMAL PRODUCTS ALLOWED
Tert.am
13:12 ~U 15.02.10
Today, Armenian Chrisitans begin fasting for Lent, about 40 days or
so before Easter.
Armenians call this period "Great Lent" or "Great Fast," though
abstinence, instead of fast, would be a more accurate way of describing
how the devout observe this period.
Observance of Great Lent is characterized by abstinence from dairy and
animal products (except fish), as well as refraining from gambling,
lying, swearing and other sins. It might also involve giving up
something one enjoys in order to focus on prayer, self-examination
and repenting from one’s sins.
According to armenianchurch.net, "Lent is a special time in the year
when we guard against worldly distractions and make room for the Holy
Spirit to fill us.
"During Lent we go into our own inner wilderness – caused by sins,
spiritual laziness, and empty vanity. There we confront the devil.
Through prayer, fasting, Bible reading, and self-examination, we gain
the strength to work at being more loving, humble, and gentle."