In the Armenian Church, Lent is a “time of joyfulness and purification through repentance”. The Western Church’s less-strict lenten practice excludes meat from the diet.The stricter lenten diet of the Eastern Church excludes meat, fish, poultry, dairy, dairy products or eggs.

This year Lent begins on Monday, February 28th, two days before the Catholic Church’s Ash Wednesday. Armenians celebrate Poon Paregentan, or “day of good living,” the Sunday before the fasting of Lent begins. This day of feasting is considered the first step of the Lenten journey.
For a more in-depth meaning of Lent, click here.

Since the debut of The Armenian Kitchen 13 years ago, we’ve posted numerous Lenten recipes. We hope these will help nourish you through the 40 days of Lent!