March 14 begins the second week of Great Lent. The second week of fasting is dedicated to the commemoration of the Byzantine saint Grigory Palma.

The bishop spread among the faithful the teaching that through fasting a person can purify his body and soul and become closer to the Creator. The saint had a good education and had every chance to occupy a high position, but he renounced the worldly and devoted his life to serving the Lord. Saturday of the Second Week is considered a day of commemoration of all deceased relatives and is repeated three times throughout Lent.

The second week of fasting makes Christians think about the fact that every prayer reaches God. The body is in torment, and the soul is in bliss – this is how it is customary to say during Great Lent. If a believer sincerely seeks to know the Lord, he will be able to overcome all difficulties on the way to him. Knowing that God is the light in life will help not to lose strength and hope. Prayer during fasting is the most powerful, because through the purification of the body, a person can achieve the elevation of the soul.

• During the second week believers cannot be denied help to the weak. It is also necessary to show mercy and give alms to all who need it.

The second week of Great Lent ends March 27.