The Meaning of Great Lent

The 50‑Day Lent is patterned after the 40 days of fasting by our Lord Jesus Christ in the wilderness, followed by the Holy Week that leads to His passion, death, and resurrection.

Key Themes of the Season

  Repentance — turning away from sin and returning to God

Fasting — disciplining the body to strengthen the spirit

Prayer — deepening communion with God

Almsgiving — expressing love through acts of mercy

Renewal — preparing to rise with Christ at Easter

Lent is not a burden but a blessing — a sacred opportunity to rediscover the beauty of holiness.

The Malankara Orthodox Church observes Lent with a rich liturgical rhythm that guides the faithful week by week.

Pethrutha (Kothne) Sunday

The gateway to Lent — a call to repentance and spiritual preparation.

The Six Sundays of Lent

Each Sunday carries a unique theme that shapes the Lenten journey:

First SUNDAY - Kothne Sunday - Beginning of Lent / Repentance & Wedding at CANA

Transformation

SECOND SUNDAY OF GREAT LENT (GARBO - LEPER)

Healing and cleansing

THIRD SUNDAY OF GREAT LENT (M'SHARIO- PARALYTIC)

Forgiveness and restoration

FOURTH SUNDAY OF GREAT LENT (KNANAITHO - KANANITE Women's Daughter's Healing)

Forgiveness and restoration

FIFTH SUNDAY OF GREAT LENT (KPIPTHO - CRIPPLED WOMEN)

Faith and perseverance

SIXTH SUNDAY OF GREAT LENT (SAMIYO - BLIND)

Spiritual illumination

SATURDAY OF LAZARUS

Victory over death