Moscow, March 3, 2020
Photo: wciom.ru
One out of every ten Russian intends to observe the Lenten fast this year, according to the results of a new survey conducted by the All-Russian Center for Public Opinion Research.
The absolute majority of Russians—94%—have heard about Lent, though only 30% know that it begins after Maslenitsa (Cheesefare).
10% of respondents in the survey said they will certainly be keeping the Lenten fast, while 69% said they would not, and 20% were undecided.
More than half of the respondents (55%) have heard something about Lent and generally know about the rules and restrictions associated with it, while 43% do not.
According to the survey, 20% believe that observing Lent spiritually cleanses a person, 13% believe fasting gives a person willpower and discipline, while 12% think of it in terms of bodily cleansing and health.
The survey was conducted on February 21 with the participation of 1,600 Russians aged 18 and over.
A survey from the Moscow-based Levada Analytical Center in 2017 revealed that 9% of Russians fasted in Holy Week, 15% partially fasted, and only 2% strove to keep the entire Lenten fast.
