The Mobil Feasts celebrated before Great Lent.
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The Triodion Celebrations before Great Lent
INTRODUCTION
The Church observes four major Lenten periods each year. Of these, the most important and significant is Great Lent preceding Easter and lasting for seven weeks.
A Lenten period comes before any of the major feasts of the Church as an opportunity to come into the fullness of the feast and to appreciate the significance of the feast.
THE PREPARATION FOR GREAT LENT:
Great Lent is preceded by a special period of preparation known as the Triodion.
During this four-week period, we are constantly informed of the approach of Lent. We are instructed to expect its coming and accept its teachings and message. Through special moving prayers, hymns, services and Biblical readings and through a gradual elimination of rich and luxurious foods, we are prepared to welcome Great Lent.
During the Triodion, Meat Fare Sunday is the last day that we are allowed to eat meat.
Cheese Fare Sunday is the last day we are allowed to have milk, cheese, and other dairy products.
Monday after Cheese Fare Sunday is the first day of Great Lent. It is known as Pure Monday or Clean Monday because it marks the official beginning of the Lenten period and is a day of strict fasting from foods and of exerting spiritual exercise through good works, reading the writings of the Church Teachers and scripture and by attending the Sacrament of Confession.