Eighteen percent of Russians plan to observe Lent this year - poll

MOSCOW. March 15 (Interfax) - Eighteen percent of Russians plan to observe Lent, which begins on March 18 this year, the Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) said in a statement on its website.

The share is the largest among respondents older than 60 (20%) the pollster said.

Another 26% are still considering whether to observe Lent or not, 52% will not observe Lent, and 4% are undecided, it said.

Respondents aware of Lent were free to give any number of answers to the question of what they usually do during Lent. Nearly half, or 48%, said they dye Easter eggs, 21% abstain from drinking, 18% avoid thinking bad thoughts, the same percentage abstains from using obscene language, 17% gives alms, 16% attends church services, and 14% avoids fatty foods, in the first turn. Ten percent performs daily prayer and the same percentage goes to church for confession.

VCIOM polled 1,600 respondents older than 18 by phone nationwide on March 9, 2024.