DO YOU KNOW THE RULES FOR EACH SUNDAY OF THE GREAT LENT?

The Great Lent, which starts on March 18th and lasts for 48 days among Orthodox believers, has its own rules and rituals for each of the seven Sundays.

Here's how each week of the fasting period is named and what the rules are:

Clean Week (Todor's or Theodore's Sunday): The first three days of fasting begin with complete abstinence from food and drink, known as "trimirje." Then, fasting continues with dry fasting or fasting on water. On Thursday, fasting is on water, while for the rest of the week, it is allowed to eat food prepared with oil.

Pačista Sunday: During this week, fasting on water is observed from Monday to Friday, while on Saturday and Sunday, oil is allowed.

Sunday of the Adoration of the Holy Cross: During this week, fasting on water is observed from Monday to Friday, with oil allowed on Saturday, and fish allowed on Sunday, due to the Annunciation.

Mid-Lent Sunday: This week is fasted like the second week, with fasting on water from Monday to Friday, while on Saturday and Sunday, oil is allowed.

Deaf Sunday: Fasting is observed on water on Monday and Tuesday, and from Wednesday to Sunday, oil is allowed, with the addition of wine being permitted on Friday.

Palm Sunday: Fasting on water is observed from Monday to Friday, with oil allowed on Saturday, and fish allowed on Sunday, which is celebrated as Palm Sunday.

Passion Sunday: The last Sunday before Easter is marked by strict fasting, prayer, and repentance. From Monday to Wednesday, fasting is on water, oil is allowed on Thursday, and on Good Friday, abstaining is observed. Saturday is again fasting on water, and Sunday marks the end of the Great Lent.