Beginning of the Great Fast (Assyrian) · Sawma Raba

Culture of origin: Assyrian · Cultural

Holiday sources: Assyrian

The Great Fast (Sawma Raba) is the Assyrian Church of the East's Lent, the 50-day season of preparation before the Feast of the Resurrection, which the church calls the annual season of repentance. Its calendar marks the "Beginning of the Great Fast" on the Sunday seven weeks before Easter: 11 February 2024, 2 March 2025 and 15 February 2026.