The Orthodox Church has established several ways to prepare ourselves for the greatest of all feasts, the Holy Pascha. We are not “making up” for past sins. We are not “making sacrifices” to or for God. Instead, we use the 6 weeks of Great Lent and Holy Week, which follow to develop better habits and walk in the footsteps of Christ to turn our lives around and become closer to God. Here are some ways to make Great Lent meaningful to you and your children.
PRAY
Establish a quiet time before an icon in the morning and at night to pray. Lent is a perfect time to practice that. Pray at mealtime, especially as a family. Practice unceasing Jesus’ prayer.
FAST
We do not “give up’ something for Lent, such as cookies, candy, etc. Instead, we respect the food God has given us, thank Him for it, and eat properly and only as much as our body needs to be healthy. Just as Jesus fasted for 40 days in the desert, we fast for the 40 days of Lent and during Holy Week.
The Church teaches us not to eat meat, eggs, or dairy products from the beginning of Lent until Pascha. There is no minimum or maximum age. Parents need to adapt this according to the needs of their children.
Skip 2nd helpings.
Instead of cheese sandwiches, have tuna or peanut butter.
Choose fruit instead of ice cream for dessert.
Limit drinking of milk; drink water or juice instead
Try some new foods to replace those that are not eaten during Lent.
Remember that fasting applies not only to food but also to our way of life. It is a quiet time. It is a time to focus on our relationship with God. It is not an appropriate time for parties.
Limit your TV, phone, and electronics time. Select programs that are “family-friendly.”
Avoid going to the movies. Spend more time with friends and family.
Read the writings of the Saints and other theological books. Teach yourself Orthodox theology.
GO TO CHURCH
Attend Divine Liturgy on time every Sunday, staying until the dismissal and final blessing.
Attend Memorial Liturgies on Saturday at 9:00 a.m.
Attend at least one Lenten service each week. Pre-sanctified liturgies are held on Wednesday
mornings at 9:00 a.m. and Friday evenings at 5:00 p.m.
GIVE ALMS
“Alms” strictly refers to money given to help the needy.
The “Pennies from Heaven” project, which our Church School conducts during Lent, allows students to do this. In addition to collecting donations from others, children donate from allowance or chore money. Children do extra chores for donations.
DO GOOD DEEDS
Help family, friends, and neighbors with above and beyond-expected chores and works of love.
Kids should go through toys and clothes that are no longer needed. Give them to any organization
that helps those in need, especially in war-torn Ukraine.
READ THE BIBLE
The wall calendar provided by the church lists the Bible readings for each day.
GO TO CONFESSION AND RECEIVE COMMUNION
All Orthodox Christians who have made their first confessions are expected to go to confession and communion at least four times each year during the four Lenten/fasting periods. It is required during Great Lent to continue to receive communion and go to Confession at least once in order to be in good spiritual standing.
FORGIVING OTHERS
Begin Great Lent by attending Forgiveness Sunday Vespers. Continue your Lenten journey with the same forgiving attitude. The devil will test your patience and lovingkindness during this Lent; be prepared.