With joy let us begin the time of this bright Fast, and prepare ourselves for spiritual combat. Let us purify our soul and cleanse our flesh. Let us not fast only from food; let us also abstain from every passion. Rejoicing in spiritual virtues, let us persevere with love, so that we may be counted worthy to see the holy Passion of Christ our God and exult in His holy Resurrection.
(From the Vespers of Forgiveness)