Week of Publican and Pharisee

FEBRUARY 13. WEEK ABOUT THE PUBLICAN AND THE PHARISEE

1st preparatory week before Great Lent

(February 13-19 - week about the publican and the Pharisee)

No fast on Wednesday and Friday

From this week, the Holy Church begins preparing the faithful for Great Lent. On this day, at the Liturgy in churches, an excerpt from the Gospel “About the publican and the Pharisee” is read:

“Two men entered the temple to pray: one was a Pharisee and the other was a publican. The Pharisee, standing up, prayed in himself like this: God! I thank You that I am not like other people, robbers, offenders, adulterers, or like this publican: I fast twice a week, I give a tenth of everything that I get. The publican, standing afar off, did not even dare to raise his eyes to heaven; but, striking his chest, he said: God! be merciful to me, a sinner! I tell you that this one went down to his house justified more than that one: for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:10-14).

Using the example of the publican and Pharisee, the Holy Church teaches us that the first condition for virtue is humility and repentance, and the main obstacle is pride. By abolishing the fasts this week, the Church inspires believers that the fulfillment of what is laid down by the Charter should not be boasted.