2024 Orthodox Lenten Calendar

In the Orthodox Christian faith, Lent is a period of fasting, prayer, and reflection leading up to Easter. In 2024, Lent begins on March 11th and ends on April 27th. This article will provide a guide to the various events and festivals that take place during the 2024 Orthodox Lenten Calendar.

Events and Festivals

During the Lenten season, there are several significant events and festivals that take place in the Orthodox Christian community. Here is a list of some of the most important:

• March 11th: Clean Monday
• March 14th: Sunday of Orthodoxy
• March 20th: Saturday of Souls
• March 27th: Sunday of the Holy Cross
• April 9th: Lazarus Saturday
• April 10th: Palm Sunday
• April 15th: Great and Holy Friday
• April 16th: Holy Saturday
• April 17th: Pascha (Easter Sunday)
• April 24th: Sunday of St. Thomas

Celebration of Events and Festivals

Each event and festival in the Orthodox Lenten Calendar has its own unique significance and is celebrated in a particular way. Here are some details about the most important events:

Clean Monday

Clean Monday marks the beginning of Great Lent and is a day of fasting and repentance. It is customary to fly kites on this day to symbolize the freeing of the soul from sin.

Sunday of Orthodoxy

This day celebrates the restoration of the use of icons in worship. It is customary to hold processions with icons on this day.

Saturday of Souls

This day is dedicated to the remembrance of the dead and is often observed by visiting cemeteries to pray for the departed.

Sunday of the Holy Cross

This day commemorates the finding of the True Cross by Saint Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine. It is customary to hold processions with the Cross on this day.

Lazarus Saturday

This day commemorates the raising of Lazarus from the dead by Jesus. It is customary to make palm crosses on this day.

Palm Sunday

This day commemorates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. It is customary to bless palm branches and hold processions on this day.

Great and Holy Friday

This day commemorates the Crucifixion of Jesus. It is customary to hold services and venerate the Cross on this day.

Holy Saturday

This day commemorates Jesus’ descent into Hades. It is customary to hold services and bless food on this day.

Pascha (Easter Sunday)

This day celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus and is the most important day in the Orthodox Christian calendar. It is customary to hold midnight services, light candles, and break the fast with a feast.

Sunday of St. Thomas

This day commemorates the Doubting Thomas’ confession of faith in the Resurrected Jesus. It is customary to read the Gospel account of Thomas’ encounter with Jesus on this day.

Question and Answer

Q: What is the significance of fasting during Lent?

A: Fasting is a way of purifying the body and the soul in preparation for the Resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday. The Orthodox Church requires its members to fast during Lent as a way of disciplining the body and focusing on spiritual matters.

Q: What is the significance of the use of icons in Orthodox worship?

A: Icons are considered to be windows into heaven and are used as aids to prayer and worship. They are not worshipped themselves, but are venerated as representations of the saints and of Jesus himself.

Q: Why is Pascha (Easter Sunday) the most important day in the Orthodox Christian calendar?

A: Pascha is the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus, which is the central event in Christian theology. It is the day on which Jesus conquered death and opened the way to eternal life for all believers.

Q: What is the significance of the blessing of food on Holy Saturday?

A: The blessing of food on Holy Saturday is a way of celebrating the end of the fast and the Resurrection of Jesus. It is customary to bring baskets of food to church to be blessed by the priest.

FAQs

Q: Is it necessary to fast during Lent?

A: Yes, fasting is required by the Orthodox Church during Lent. However, there are exceptions for those who are ill or for whom fasting would be harmful.

Q: What is the significance of the palm branches on Palm Sunday?

A: The palm branches are a symbol of victory and triumph. They represent the crowds who greeted Jesus as he entered Jerusalem on his way to his Crucifixion.

Q: Why do Orthodox Christians celebrate Easter on a different day than other Christians?

A: The Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar, which is slightly different from the Gregorian calendar used by Western Christians. This means that Orthodox Easter usually falls on a different day than Easter in the Western Church.

In conclusion, the 2024 Orthodox Lenten Calendar is a time of fasting, prayer, and reflection leading up to Easter. This article has provided a guide to the various events and festivals that take place during this season, as well as some information about their significance. Whether you are a lifelong Orthodox Christian or simply interested in learning more about this tradition, there is much to be gained from participating in the Lenten season.