Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2026 All Rights Reserved

Great Lent begins

Photo: BTA

After Cheesefare (Forgiveness) Sunday, the Great Lent has begun on March 3. Orthodox Christians will abstain from eating animal food including meat, eggs, milk and dairy products.

The Great Lent symbolizes the 40 days which Jesus spent in the desert. It is not only a dietary fast but also an abstinence from bad thoughts, words and deeds.

Fasting is not a mere diet. The purpose of fasting is to humble the soul by denying the body. Through fasting, the faithful renounce their sins, 'purify themselves' and draw closer to the nature of God and His son, Jesus Christ.




Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

All Souls Day is an expression of our love for the souls of the departed

In today’s world, where material values overshadow the spiritual, reflections on the salvation of souls somehow remain in the background. The constant race against time and the stream of daily tasks muffle the voice of the soul, which struggles to..

published on 11/1/25 5:10 AM

Tsars Peter and Asen restored the Bulgarian state 840 years ago

In 1018, after half a century of struggle, the First Bulgarian Empire was conquered by Byzantium. Despite the many uprisings of the Bulgarians, the power of Constantinople lasted for nearly two centuries. In the autumn of 1185 or the..

published on 10/26/25 5:05 AM

St John of Rila – the Miracle-Worker of the Rila Wilderness

On 19 October, Bulgarians commemorate St Ivan Rilski, also known as St John of Rila, who is considered the country’s heavenly protector. He founded the Rila Monastery, which is the largest and most influential spiritual centre in Bulgaria. Ivan..

published on 10/19/25 7:30 AM