At a 90-year old church in Haverhill, Massachusetts, parishioners donned emerald carnival masks, enjoyed a concert by the Hellenic and Near Eastern Musical Society's 20-piece orchestra, and danced to traditional Greek songs. Like other communities across the country, the Holy Apostles church organizes annual festivities meant for "dancing, celebrating, and having a good time before Lent," as churchgoer Niki Karoutas described them. "They do it better in Europe," said Cleo Tsoles, another community member. But Greek-Americans, she added, try to keep the spirit alive. The Haverhill event lasted into the night, with revellers dancing enthusiastically past the official close, and few anxious to leave the warmth of the church ballroom for the icy February night.

Lent began this year on February 26th -- or, strictly speaking, after sundown on the 25th. Reverend Angelo Pappas of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, spoke to our staff after leading the forgiveness prayer that marks the beginning of Lent. He described Lent as "catharsis," or cleansing, during which the focus shifts from the self towards Christ. Fasting, Father Angelo explained, is not just about not eating, but about spiritual hunger. "The whole focus isn't on food," he said. "If it's fasting without prayer, it's dieting."

Though comparatively few Orthodox Christians observe a strict Lenten fast, most do stay away from animal products and alcohol during the first week, on Wednesdays and Fridays, and during Holy Week. Fish can be eaten on March 25th (The Annunciation of the Mother of God), and on Palm Sunday.

Father Angelo cautioned that fasting is not meant to endanger anyone's health. "People do the best they can," he said. Those who are ill or on medication should exercise caution, and little children should not be subjected to rigorous fasting. Instead, they can learn the meaning of fasting by giving up things like candy or TV.