The Journey of Lent
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The Great Lent is one of the greatest and longest fasts in the Coptic Orthodox Church. It is one of the holiest fasts, considering Our Lord Jesus Christ fasted the fast Himself. We therefore follow His example and fast 40 days just as he did. In total, the church fasts for a total of 55 days, the 40 days that Our Lord fasted, and a few extra weeks. Due to the significance of this fast, the Church designated a week of preparation to precede the 40 days, and another week is added at the end of the fast, during the Holy Week.
There are many Rites that are specific only to the period of the Great Lent. Some of which are the constant and numerous liturgical prayers, that are mainly prayed in the afternoons and/or evenings. Although liturgies are prayed all year round, the evening/afternoon masses are distinctive to the Great Lent because it encourages us to abstain from food until we commune with Our Lord. The church strongly encourages its children to fast without food until sunset as a means of disciplining both the soul and body during the holiest fast of the year. Other rites of the Great Lent are related to the different hymns, tunes, psalms, readings, and responses during this time.
The period of the Great Lent is a period dedicated to prayer, repentance, showing mercy to others, reconciliation, and growing closer to the Lord. Throughout this 7-week journey, the church has devoted the following readings to aid us in tightening our spiritual connection with God.
The first Sunday, we read about the Kingdom of God and how we can work hard to reach it. The second Sunday is temptation Sunday, here we see our Lord Jesus on the journey of His 40-day fast, where we directly learn from Him how to fight temptation. The third Sunday is about the Prodigal Son, his journey away from home, and his return to his Father’s house. The fourth Sunday is devoted to the Samaritan woman, where we see our Lord Jesus showing His unwavering love and compassion, showing us that no matter what we do, there is always a way back to him. The fifth Sunday is the story of the paralyzed man, which serves to us as a reminder that faith can move mountains and to continue to persevere and trust in God. Similarly, on the sixth Sunday, we see the man born blind, and how Jesus heals him because of his faith. The Seventh is Palm Sunday, the beginning of the journey of the Passions of Christ, which is followed by the final Sunday, being our celebration of His resurrection; Resurrection Sunday.