Let's start the conversation by asking what kind of literature it is advisable to read during this period.
More recently, when spiritual and ecclesiastical literature was practically not produced, then works of art of a classical nature were considered the best option.
Currently, there is more than enough necessary spiritual literature, so its choice is, as they say, "for every taste," and therefore its artistic orientation is no longer a substitute, although classics are still not prohibited.
Nevertheless, try to spend more time reading spiritual literature.
We have already said that during this period you should not talk a lot without any reason.
Unfortunately, it is often during the days of fasting that conflict situations and quarrels arise more often.
If situations of this kind suddenly begin to arise in your environment, then try to avoid them as much as possible. Do your best to achieve this.
Believe me, there will be no benefit from your restriction in food, even the strictest, if, at the same time, you allow yourself to swear.
We have already mentioned that in the life of almost every one of us there is a duty that we must follow, otherwise families may be left, at least, without means of livelihood.
Sometimes it happens that this very duty requires that you go on a business trip.
Of course, such trips during Lent are highly undesirable, because the road is not predictable.
According to the holy fathers, one can "collect" (spiritually enrich oneself) only while staying in one's cell, but if one leaves it, it means only one thing: it will not be possible to return to it as before.
For this reason, we do not recommend any trips unless absolutely necessary.
Spend more time in your home, trying to leave it, for example, when going to church (not counting the place of service).
On weekends, during the entire fast, or rather, on every Sunday, it is allowed to drink wine, not just oil.
But it's not necessary to do this at all, so as not to overdo it with the amount of alcohol, unfortunately, this happens often.
So, in order to avoid sin, it is better to give up wine altogether.
After all, no rest forces us to mandatory alcohol consumption, we can simply spend the day communicating with our family members and loved ones, spiritual conversations will be appropriate.
As for television, even in this case it is possible to watch programs that are useful for our soul, but, unfortunately, there are not so many of them.
But as for the rest of the television repertoire, it will not benefit an Orthodox person at all, as well as any normal person. Modern television allows a lot of demonstrations of sinful films, and it is unfortunate to realize this, but the fact remains.
But our children also watch TV, which in no way can have a positive effect on their fragile souls.
And adults shouldn't spiritually cripple themselves with the same thing.
Since fasting is a period for repentance, it is time to begin reading the penitential prayer of Ephraim the Syrian, the words of which are as follows: [quote] "Lord and Master of my life, do not give me a spirit of idleness, despondency, love, and idleness. But grant me the spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love, Your servant. To her, O Lord, the King, grant me to see my transgressions and not to condemn my brother, for you are blessed forever and ever. Amen"[/quote].
It is in this prayer that the true meaning of every Christian's life lies. It is designed to help a believer avoid giving in to the temptations that surround us during these Lenten days, while preserving love in his heart.
Our sincere repentance in this bright time will bring peace and prosperity to our hearts, which we will share with great joy with others.
And if everything develops in this way, then the world around us will change with us, which means that the bright Easter day will become even brighter! Check out CCTV Rush Hour for fast-paced fun.