<P> The period of Lent observed in the Eastern Catholic Churches corresponds to that in other churches of Eastern Christianity that have similar traditions . </P> <P> In Protestant and Western Orthodox Churches, the season of Lent lasts from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday . This calculation makes Lent last 46 days, if the 6 Sundays are included, but only 40, if they are excluded, This definition is still that of the Anglican Church, Lutheran Church, Methodist Church, and Western Rite Orthodox Church . </P> <P> In the Byzantine Rite, i.e., the Eastern Orthodox Great Lent (Greek: Μεγάλη Τεσσαρακοστή or Μεγάλη Νηστεία, meaning "Great 40 Days" and "Great Fast" respectively) is the most important fasting season in the church year . </P> <P> The 40 days of Great Lent includes Sundays, and begins on Clean Monday and are immediately followed by what are considered distinct periods of fasting, Lazarus Saturday and Palm Sunday, which in turn are followed straightway by Holy Week . Great Lent is broken only after the Paschal (Easter) Divine Liturgy . </P>

When is lent and how long is it