Monday 23 February
The Great Fast begins. Kept strictly, and in many places with the Great Canon of St Andrew through the week.
Τεσσαρακοστή & Quadragesima
Lent 2026
Forty days of prayer, fasting and giving before Easter. The West begins it on Ash Wednesday, the Orthodox on Clean Monday.
In 2026 it begins on Wednesday 18 February in Catholic and Protestant practice, and on Monday 23 February in Orthodox practice.
The date
In each branch
Wednesday 18 February
Lent begins with the ashes. A day of fasting and abstinence — remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.
Wednesday 18 February
Lent begins. A day of fasting and repentance — dust you are, and to dust you shall return.
The season
The days around it
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Sunday 29 March · Catholic
Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord
The entry into Jerusalem, with palms and with the reading of the Passion. Holy Week begins.
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Sunday 29 March · Protestant
Palm Sunday
The entry into Jerusalem, and the beginning of Holy Week.
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Sunday 5 April · Orthodox
Entry into Jerusalem
Palm Sunday. A Great Feast — fish, wine and oil are allowed even in the Fast.
In ActivePray, each branch’s holy days and fasts come in its own year, with reminders for them, and every prayer at its hour.
ActivePray on the App StoreLent in other years: 2027 · 2028. Every holy day of the year is on the calendar and in Christianity.