Penance and transformation the symbolism of the paschal cycle in the Romanian orthodox tradition

The aim of his presentation is to analyze the symbolic meaning of time within one of the most important cycles in Romanian calendar called the paschal cycle. The cycle bears profound theological and archaic senses within Romanian religiosity, combining the nationwide, universal message of the Orthodox Church with its local variations. The most important message of the paschal cycle is for man to undergo a process of reformation and atonement. The symbol of this time had been attributed to metanoia, which indicates the transformation of man’s approach to life. It is additionally emphasized by the names of Sundays within this period and Gospel readings as well as church rituals observed at that time.