In Orthodoxy Lent is the most important and strict post. It lasts 48 days (almost a full seven weeks) and precedes the bright holiday - Easter. In order to get closer to Heaven, Christians let go of grievances, forgive enemies and get rid of bad thoughts. Physical cleansing is achieved by eliminating food of animal origin from the diet. This includes fish. There will be only a few days on the calendar in 2024 when it can be consumed during this period.
Fish days during Lent
The date of the celebration of Christ's Resurrection changes every year, and with it the periods of possible relief. In 2024, Lent will last from March 18 to May 4.
There will be three fish days on the menu. You can see them in the table.
| Name of the holiday | The essence of the holiday | April date | What fish products are allowed |
| Annunciation | Archangel Gabriel said to the Virgin Mary "Now you are among women." He told that grace had descended on her and she would become the Mother of the Son of God | 7 | Fish |
| Lazarus Saturday | This day is dedicated to the resurrection of Lazarus by Jesus Christ. The Son of God considered him a friend and often visited him. One day, Lazar fell seriously ill and died. Upon learning of this, the Messiah went to Bethany. Upon arrival, he ordered the stone to be moved away from the entrance to the tomb, after which he said, "Lazarus, come out." And the last one came out in funeral clothes | 27 | Fish caviar (it symbolizes eternal life) |
| Palm Sunday | This church holiday is celebrated exactly one week before Easter. It is dedicated to the entry of the Lord into Jerusalem. Having heard about the miracle of the resurrection, the people greeted him like a king. Palm branches were thrown under his feet (later this became the reason for execution). Since there are no palm trees in Rus', another plant, the willow, was used as a symbol here. She is the first to bloom in spring | 28 | Fish |
On these holidays, fish is eaten in the afternoon, that is, for lunch or dinner. There are no restrictions on portions, but it should be borne in mind that after a strict diet, it will be difficult for the body to re-take food of animal origin. Abuse is not recommended. Additional wine is allowed. It should be grape, red, moderately strong.The ideal option is Cahors.
Relief on a permanent basis
Sometimes life circumstances or he alth conditions do not allow us to refuse food of animal origin. Therefore, some categories of people can eat fish every day, including on the strictest days of Lent.
First of all, they mean:
- pregnant and breastfeeding women;
- minors;
- elderly and old people;
- people with poor he alth and chronic diseases.
Exceptions are allowed for persons whose professional activities involve hard physical labor (for example, miners or loaders). Unlike office workers, it is more difficult for them to adhere to fasting orders.
The benefits of fish are hard to overestimate. It saturates the body with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, macro- and microelements. In many ways, its composition is superior to that of meat. This is an indispensable product for those who need good nutrition.
Preferred types of fish and cooking method
It's not enough just to know when you can eat fish during Great Orthodox Lent. You need to understand what its varieties are really suitable for this. First of all, species with a low fat content are allowed, for example, silver carp, hake, carp, pollock, carp, crucian carp, perch, pike perch. Fatty species, such as mackerel and iwashi, should be avoided. No need to buy expensive fish, such as salmon. Proper food during fasting is modest. The extra money is better spent on donations.
Traditionally, fish dishes are stewed or baked. Rarely resort to frying. In these cases, use a non-stick pan. This avoids the use of large amounts of oil. There are no restrictions on servings. However, it should be borne in mind here that after a prolonged strict diet, it is difficult for the body to re-take food of animal origin. So it's best to start small.
Alternative options
Unfortunately, not everyone can use a he althy product. For many, it is contraindicated due to allergies, pathologies of the digestive tract, or for other reasons. In this case, nutritionists have found a way out. They recommend replacing fish with cereals and mushrooms, and getting vitamin D from pharmacy preparations (other vitamin-mineral complexes are not needed, since in most cases they are useless). Their recommendations can be safely used during church restrictions.
In general, the attitude towards food of animal origin in the church is ambiguous. The clergy themselves refrain from eating fish all year round. They argue that gluttony is a sin, so it is always worth choosing regular foods. If a parishioner is tormented by doubts about his menu, he can consult with a spiritual mentor.
