Changes

The three pillars of Lent are fasting, prayer and almsgiving. The forty days of Lent have historically been characterized by fasting (the consumption of one vegetarian meal daily) along with abstinence from meat, lacticinia, and alcohol. In the present day, while certain denominations observe this discipline (such as the [[Coptic Church|Coptic Orthodox Church]]), in others, such as the Catholic, Lutheran and Anglican traditions, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are presently observed with fasting with the Fridays of Lent being days of abstinence.  

The three pillars of Lent are fasting, prayer and almsgiving. The forty days of Lent have historically been characterized by fasting (the consumption of one vegetarian meal daily) along with abstinence from meat, lacticinia, and alcohol. In the present day, while certain denominations observe this discipline (such as the [[Coptic Church|Coptic Orthodox Church]]), in others, such as the Catholic, Lutheran and Anglican traditions, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are presently observed with fasting with the Fridays of Lent being days of abstinence.  

During Lent, Christians commit to making a Lenten sacrifice, in which they give up a pleasure for the entire season (such as chocolate). This Lenten sacrifice is kept from Ash Wednesday to the evening of Holy Saturday inclsuive and with the arrival of Resurrection Sunday (Easter), believers can indulge in what they gave up for Lent. '''''Lent is a terrific opportunity to lose weight and overcome [[addiction]]'''''.

During Lent, Christians commit to making a Lenten sacrifice, in which they give up a pleasure for the entire season (such as chocolate). This Lenten sacrifice is kept from Ash Wednesday to the evening of Holy Saturday inclsuive and with the arrival of Resurrection Sunday (Easter), believers can indulge in what they gave up for Lent.  

==Observances and Discipline==

==Observances and Discipline==

===Historical===

===Historical===

==Holy Week==

==Holy Week==

[[Holy Week]] is the final week of Lent. It begins the Sunday before Easter, called [[Palm Sunday]], on which Christ's welcome into Jerusalem is celebrated. The week concludes with [[Holy Thursday]] (Maundy Thursday), which commemorates the [[Last Supper]]. [Good Friday]] (also known as Black Friday) commemorates the passion and death of Christ. Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday celebrate the glorious resurrection of Christ from the dead.

[[Holy Week]] is the final week of Lent. It begins the Sunday before Easter, called [[Palm Sunday]], on which Christ's welcome into Jerusalem is celebrated. The week concludes with [[Holy Thursday]] (Maundy Thursday), which commemorates the [[Last Supper]]. [Good Friday]] (also known as Black Friday) commemorates the passion and death of Christ. Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday celebrate the glorious resurrection of Christ from the dead.

==External links==

==External links==