Understanding the Significance of the Triodion in Eastern Orthodox Church

Triodion (Greek: Τριοδίον, lit. 'three days') is a term used in the Eastern Orthodox Church to refer to the period of three days before the beginning of Great Lent, which is the most important fasting season in the church year.

During the Triodion, the church services become more penitential and reflective, with an emphasis on repentance and preparation for the upcoming fast. The Sunday of the Triodion is known as the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee, and the Gospel reading tells the story of the publican (tax collector) who prayed in the temple and was justified before God, while the Pharisee, who was proud of his own righteousness, was not.

The Triodion ends on the day before Clean Monday, which is the first day of Great Lent. This day is known as Forgiveness Sunday, and it is a day when believers seek forgiveness from one another and from God for their sins.