22 February 12:43
Metropolitan Nikita of Krasnoyarsk and Achinsk remindedresidents of the region about spiritual significance Lent and how to spend 48 days of preparation for the main Christian holiday – Easter.
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This year the longest and strictest period of abstinence in the Orthodox tradition will continue from February 23 to April 11. Addressing the Krasnoyarsk residents, the bishop noted that fasting is not only a restriction of food, but, above all, a time of spiritual cleansing. He called on believers to prayer to draw strength for heroic deeds” and visit worship services in temples that are aboutare especially significant during Holy Week.
“On the threshold of the saving field of Great Lent, the Holy Church calls us to a special path – the path of spiritual renewal, deep prayer and heartfelt contrition. This is the time given to us as a precious gift of God’s mercy, so that we, putting aside the burden of vain worries, turn our gaze inward and draw closer to our Creator. Our Lord Jesus Christ, at the beginning of His ministry, showed us the way to reunite with God, saying: “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”. This is the main call and purpose of these holy days – repentance. Not just external abstinence, but a deep, sincere change of mind and heart, a turning from sin to God. Let every day of fasting be a step along this path. The Savior teaches us how to spend the days of fasting: “When you fast, do not be sad, like the hypocrites, for they put on gloomy faces in order to appear to people as fasting… But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may appear fasting not to men, but to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”. My dears, our fast is not for human praise, but for the acquisition of God’s grace. May our Lenten activities be quiet, joyful and focused on secret communication with the Heavenly Father.”
The Metropolitan also noted that “true fasting is inseparable from deeds of love” and called on believers to find time for mercy: visiting the sick, helping the lonely, forgiving offenses and reconciling with neighbors. In addition, he reminded of the need to refrain from slander, idle words, anger and resentment.
“Dear brothers and sisters! Lent is not a time of despondency, but a spring of the soul, a time of purification and light. This is the path towards the Risen Christ. Let us not be afraid of this blessed work. Let us enter it with faith, hope and determination to change for the better. From the bottom of my heart I bless you all for the upcoming feat of fasting and prayer. May the Almighty strengthen us, may the Mother of God support us, may the examples of the saints inspire us. May these holy days bring us all peace in our souls, purification of hearts and joy in the Holy Spirit,” said the address of Metropolitan Nikita of Krasnoyarsk and Achinsk before Lent 2026.
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