Three-fourths of Russians do not observe the Great Lent, but plan to celebrate Easter

Natalya Mihailova | 29 April 2016
Moscow, April 29, Interfax - Most of Russians (75% in general and 72% of those who call themselves Orthodox believers) did not have any special diet during the Great Lent, which this year ends on April 30, the Lavada-Center told Interfax.
Three-fourths of Russians do not observe the Great Lent, but plan to celebrate Easter
Photo: http://klement.ru/

During the poll held on April 22-25 among 1600 people in 137 cities and towns of Russia it cleared out that eight per cent of Russians in general and nine per cent of Orthodox believers were going to observe fast during the last week before Easter.

Another 14% of respondents (16% of Orthodox believers) observe fast partially (for example tried not to drink alcohol and restrict themselves in food). Only one per cent of Russians (one per cent of Orthodox believers) strictly observe fast.

Majority of Russians are going to celebrate Easter. 66% of respondents will decorate Easter eggs (74% of Orthodox believers), buy or bake Easter cakes – 66% and 64% correspondently, some will go to see their friends or will welcome guests at their homes – 50% and 55% correspondently, some respondents are going to visit cemeteries – 20% and 24% correspondently. 19% of Russians will consecrate Easter cakes, 6% will go to church, 7% will just make presents to their relatives.

Since you are here…

…we do have a small request. More and more people visit Orthodoxy and the World website. However, resources for editorial are scarce. In comparison to some mass media, we do not make paid subscription. It is our deepest belief that preaching Christ for money is wrong.

Having said that, Pravmir provides daily articles from an autonomous news service, weekly wall newspaper for churches, lectorium, photos, videos, hosting and servers. Editors and translators work together towards one goal: to make our four websites possible - Pravmir.ru, Neinvalid.ru, Matrony.ru and Pravmir.com. Therefore our request for help is understandable.

For example, 5 euros a month is it a lot or little? A cup of coffee? It is not that much for a family budget, but it is a significant amount for Pravmir.

If everyone reading Pravmir could donate 5 euros a month, they would contribute greatly to our ability to spread the word of Christ, Orthodoxy, life's purpose, family and society.