THE PERIOD OF GREAT LENT
Dear Faithful Parishioners and Friends,
This year, the period of Great Lent begins on February 16, leading up to the Feast of the Glorious Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ, which will be celebrated on Sunday, April 5.
Lent is a time of spiritual renewal, marked by fasting, prayer, repentance, and self-discipline. During this period, the faithful abstain from certain foods, primarily those of animal origin, and strive to cleanse their hearts and minds of sinful habits such as talkativeness, lying, swearing, and other transgressions.
Fasting without striving for spiritual purification is meaningless. As St. Gregory of Tatev reminds us: “Satan always fasts—he does not eat anything, yet he does not and is not tired of sinning.”
Jesus Himself teaches us about fasting in the Sermon on the Mount: “Moreover, when you fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head, and wash your face; that you appear not unto men to fast, but unto your Father which is in secret: and your Father, which sees in secret, shall reward you openly.” (Matthew 6:16-18)
Fasting alone does not atone for sins—only God grants forgiveness. However, fasting plays an essential role in spiritual discipline, leading to sincere repentance, prayer, and confession, which are the necessary conditions for absolution.
The forty days of fasting symbolize Christ’s 40 days of fasting and temptation in the wilder ness following His baptism: “Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days He was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days.” (Luke 4:1-3)
In preparation for His ministry and the salvation of mankind, Jesus fasted, setting an example for us. Through His sacrifice, our repentance and fasting gain meaning.
Great Lent is marked by seven significant Sundays, each carrying its own spiritual theme: Barekendan (Eve of Great Lent), Sunday of Expulsion, Sunday of the Prodigal Son, Sunday of the Steward, Sunday of the Judge, Sunday of Advent, Palm Sunday.
Additionally, after the 40-day Lenten period, an extra week of fasting follows, known as Holy Week, bringing the total fasting period to 48 days.
A significant milestone during Lent is Michink, which falls on March 11 this year. This marks the halfway point of Great Lent. According to Armenian tradition, housewives bake unleavened bread with a coin hidden inside—whoever finds the coin is believed to have a blessed and prosperous year.
According to the Directorium (Տօնացոյց | Donatsooyts) of the Armenian Church, on the Eve (Saturday) of Great Barekendan (Great Carnival), during the Evening Service (Vespers), the curtain of the church altar is closed as a symbol of the exile of Adam from Paradise. From that point until Palm Sunday, there is no kissing of the Gospel and no elevation of the Gospel during the Havadamk (the Nicene Creed, or Confession of Faith).
Important Notes on Great Lent and Holy Week
Holy Communion is NOT destributed to the faithful ones during the Great Lent Sundays.
Mahs (blessed bread, which is NOT Holy Communion) is distributed on Sundays during Great Lent.
Hokehankist (requiem service) may be conducted on Lenten Sundays.
Holy Baptism is permitted during Great Lent.
The Sacrament of Matrimony is not permitted during Great Lent, Holy Week, or Easter.
SCRIPTURE READING
Isaiah 1:16-20
"Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow. "Come now, and let us reason together," Says the Lord, "Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool. If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land; But if you refuse and rebel, You shall be devoured by the sword"; For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.