What is Clean Monday?

As we enter Great Lent, I thought this post from the archives might be helpful to some of you who may have missed it last year. It contains some of my favorite Lenten recipes and craft ideas for kids! Hope you enjoy it! Kali Dynami everyone!

Adam sat before Paradise and, lamenting his nakedness, he wept: "Woe is me! By evil deceit was I persuaded and led astray. Now I am an exile from glory..."

The sun hid its rays, the moon and stars were turned to blood, the mountains were afraid, the hills trembled, when Paradise was shut. Adam departed, beating his hands upon his face and saying: 'I am fallen: merciful Lord, have mercy on me.'Vesper Service of Forgiveness SundayWhat is Clean Monday?Clean Monday (Kathadi Thevteda) marks the first day of Great Lent in the Orthodox Church. In many cultures it is a time for celebration. In many places it is customary for people to fly kites and attend festivals. Church tradition, however, tells us that after Holy Friday, Clean Monday (Kathadi Thevteda) is the most sorrowful day of the Ecclesiastical year. It is the day of Adam and Eve's exile from Paradise, and thus a day for quiet contemplation of Paradise lost and prayer.Most monastics communities hold such a strict fast on this day that they eat nothing until sunset and double their prayer rule (prostrations, etc).Here are some of my favorite Lenten links:Curious George BreadShepherd's PieBenefits of FastingI'll be making plenty of this bread and I can't wait to try this Pasta with Peanut Sauce!I love this recipe for no-high-fructose-corn-syrup granola bars!I took this Lenten Treasure Chest out of the closet and we'll be making these posters again today after school.This Kyra Sarakosti (Miss Forty Days) is from Crayola!May you all have a blessed Lenten journey this year! Kali Sarakosti!