Great Lent 2026: Dates, Meaning, and Rules

Great Lent, which precedes Easter, will begin on February 23 and end on April 11 in 2026. The feast of Christ«s Resurrection falls on April 12 this year. The 48-day fast is considered the longest and strictest in the Orthodox tradition.

The Spiritual Meaning of the Fast

The Church emphasizes that the main aspect of the fast is spiritual work, including repentance, prayer, and renunciation of excess. Believers are advised to focus on their inner state, avoid conflicts, malice, and judgment, improving relationships with loved ones.

Clergy remind that the fast is not a diet, but a path to meeting Easter, and it should be observed according to one«s strength and health condition.

Dietary Restrictions During the Fast

Products of animal origin are completely excluded from the diet:

• meat and meat products;
• milk and dairy products;
• eggs.

Fish is permitted only on two days: on the Annunciation (April 7) and on Palm Sunday (April 5).

The basis of nutrition consists of:

• vegetables and fruits;
• grains;
• legumes;
• mushrooms;
• nuts;
• bread without milk and eggs;
• vegetable oil (allowed not every day).

The strictest are the first and last weeks of the fast, as well as Holy Week. On some days, the church charter prescribes dry eating or abstaining from hot food.

On weekends (Saturday and Sunday), the fast is relaxed: for example, moderate consumption of wine is allowed. Strong alcohol remains prohibited.

Who is Allowed Exceptions?

The Church permits easing the fasting rules for the following categories:

• children;
• elderly people;
• pregnant and breastfeeding women;
• people with chronic illnesses.

In such cases, it is important to rely on one«s well-being and, if necessary, consult with a priest.

Other Restrictions During the Fast

Great Lent involves not only dietary prohibitions. Believers should abstain from:

• consumption of alcohol and smoking;
• attending entertainment events, prolonged TV watching, surfing the internet, and computer games;
• intimate relations;
• conflicts, offenses, envy, and manifestations of aggression.

Also, during this time, weddings are traditionally not scheduled, and noisy celebrations are not held.

End of the Fast

The last day of Great Lent is April 11—Holy Saturday. After the nighttime Easter service, the dietary restrictions are lifted.