Changes

The season original purpose of the pre-Pascha fast (now known as Great Lent is ) was the fasting of catechumens who were being prepared for baptism and entry into the Church, but it quickly became a time of preparation for those who were already Christian to prepare for the feast of the Resurrection of Christ. It is the living symbol of man's entire life which is to be fulfilled in his own resurrection from the dead with Christ. It is a time of renewed devotion: of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. It is a time of repentance, a real renewal of minds, hearts and deeds in conformity with Christ and his teachings. It is the time, most of all, of return to the great commandments of loving God and neighbors.