The 2024 calendar detailing intervals of abstinence from sure meals and drinks throughout the Russian Orthodox Church offers a structured framework for observing conventional fasts. This framework sometimes contains multi-day fasts like Nice Lent, the Nativity Quick, and the Dormition Quick, together with single-day fasts occurring all year long, resembling Wednesdays and Fridays. These intervals range in strictness, with some requiring full abstinence from meat, dairy, and fish, whereas others enable for consumption of fish or oil. An in depth calendar typically specifies permitted meals for every fasting interval.
Fasting throughout the Russian Orthodox custom carries important non secular and cultural that means. It’s seen as a method of non secular purification, self-discipline, and drawing nearer to God. Traditionally, fasting has additionally performed a social function, selling communal solidarity and providing a tangible expression of non secular devotion. Observing these dietary restrictions is taken into account a vital facet of training the religion and collaborating within the liturgical 12 months. It reinforces core values and connects modern believers to centuries of custom.
Additional exploration of this matter will embody particular dates and tips for the fasts in 2024, delve deeper into the theological rationale behind fasting, and supply sensible recommendation for these looking for to look at these traditions. Further info on the historic growth and cultural significance of those practices throughout the Russian Orthodox Church can even be supplied.
1. Liturgical Yr
The liturgical 12 months serves as the inspiration for the Russian Orthodox fasting calendar. This annual cycle of feasts and commemorations dictates the rhythm of fasting, shaping its timing, length, and depth. The calendar’s construction displays the narrative arc of the liturgical 12 months, starting with the Nativity Quick in preparation for the celebration of Christ’s beginning and culminating within the Apostles’ Quick, commemorating their missionary work. Probably the most distinguished instance is Nice Lent, the longest and strictest fasting interval, which precedes the celebration of Pascha (Easter), crucial feast within the Orthodox custom. The interaction between fasting and feasting underscores the liturgical 12 months’s dynamic nature, with intervals of abstinence getting ready the devoted for the enjoyment of liturgical celebrations.
The connection between the liturgical 12 months and the fasting calendar is just not merely temporal but additionally thematic. Fasting intervals typically correspond to particular occasions or themes throughout the liturgical narrative. For example, the Dormition Quick precedes the feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos (Mary, the Mom of God), permitting for reflection on her life and transition. This interwoven construction emphasizes the integral function of fasting in experiencing the complete depth of the liturgical 12 months. Understanding this relationship offers context for the non secular significance of every fasting interval, enabling a deeper engagement with the liturgical journey.
In essence, the liturgical 12 months offers the framework inside which the fasting calendar operates. This framework shapes the sensible utility of fasting, guiding people of their non secular apply. Appreciating the interaction between these two components presents a richer understanding of the Russian Orthodox custom and its emphasis on the combination of non secular self-discipline and liturgical observance. This cyclical sample of fasting and feasting underscores the significance of each abstinence and celebration within the lifetime of the Church.
2. Non secular Self-discipline
Non secular self-discipline kinds the core rationale behind the Russian Orthodox fasting calendar. Fasting is just not merely dietary restriction; it serves as an important software for cultivating internal transformation. By abstaining from sure meals, people have interaction in a apply designed to strengthen self-control, foster humility, and improve non secular focus. This disciplined method to bodily wants goals to redirect consideration in direction of non secular progress. The calendar offers a structured framework for this self-discipline, providing particular intervals and tips for apply. The cyclical nature of the fasting calendar fosters a rhythm of self-examination and non secular renewal all year long. This recurring engagement with disciplined apply reinforces its significance within the Orthodox custom.
The emphasis on non secular self-discipline throughout the fasting calendar finds sensible expression in varied methods. For instance, the hassle required to stick to dietary restrictions cultivates endurance and perseverance. Fasting may also heighten consciousness of dependence on God, fostering a way of humility and reliance on divine grace. Moreover, by lowering concentrate on bodily gratification, people might expertise better readability and receptivity to prayer and non secular reflection. Traditionally, monastics and lay individuals alike have utilized fasting as a method of getting ready for important non secular occasions, resembling receiving Holy Communion or embarking on pilgrimages. These examples illustrate the sensible significance of non secular self-discipline throughout the context of the fasting calendar.
Cultivating non secular self-discipline by means of fasting presents inherent challenges. Fashionable life typically presents quite a few obstacles to sustaining strict adherence to dietary restrictions. Nevertheless, the battle itself can maintain non secular worth. Navigating these challenges offers alternatives for progress in humility and reliance on God’s power. Furthermore, adapting fasting practices to particular person circumstances, beneath the steerage of non secular advisors, can be sure that the main focus stays on internal transformation fairly than inflexible adherence to guidelines. Finally, the emphasis on non secular self-discipline throughout the Russian Orthodox fasting calendar underscores its significance as a pathway to non secular progress and a deeper reference to the divine.
3. Dietary Restrictions
Dietary restrictions represent a central aspect of the Russian Orthodox fasting calendar. These restrictions range in stringency relying on the particular fasting interval. Nice Lent, as an example, sometimes includes abstaining from meat, poultry, dairy merchandise, fish, eggs, and oil for prolonged durations. Different fasts, such because the Nativity Quick and the Apostles’ Quick, might allow fish consumption on sure days, whereas nonetheless limiting meat and dairy. Single-day fasts, noticed on Wednesdays and Fridays all year long (with sure exceptions), usually contain abstaining from meat and dairy. The precise tips for every fasting interval are outlined within the liturgical calendar and supply a framework for navigating these restrictions. These variations in dietary restrictions replicate the totally different non secular themes and ranges of depth related to every fasting interval throughout the liturgical 12 months. The calendar serves as a sensible information for adhering to those practices.
Understanding the rationale behind these dietary restrictions offers additional perception into their significance. Abstinence from wealthy meals is seen as a method to domesticate self-control and reduce distractions, selling non secular focus. Traditionally, fasting from sure meals additionally served a sensible goal, as availability fluctuated all year long. Fashionable interpretations typically emphasize the symbolic significance of abstaining from animal merchandise, associating such restrictions with humility and detachment from worldly issues. For instance, the consumption of less complicated, plant-based meals can symbolize a return to a extra pure state and a rejection of extra. Finally, the dietary restrictions outlined within the fasting calendar function a tangible expression of non secular dedication and a method of collaborating extra totally within the liturgical lifetime of the Church.
Sensible utility of those dietary restrictions requires cautious consideration and planning. People observing the fasts might must adapt their meal preparation and buying habits. Consulting dependable sources, resembling revealed calendars or steerage from clergy, can present readability on particular restrictions and permissible meals. Whereas adherence to dietary tips is vital, the non secular intent behind the fasts ought to stay paramount. Adapting practices to particular person well being wants and circumstances, beneath the steerage of non secular advisors, ensures the main focus stays on non secular progress fairly than inflexible adherence to guidelines. This holistic method to dietary restrictions throughout the fasting calendar emphasizes the significance of balancing bodily well-being with non secular aspirations. Recognizing the non secular and historic context of those practices offers a deeper appreciation for his or her continued relevance in modern Orthodox life.
4. Feast Days
Feast days maintain a big place throughout the construction of the Russian Orthodox fasting calendar for 2024. They signify factors of celebration and non secular fruits, typically following intervals of fasting and preparation. This interaction between fasting and feasting underscores the cyclical nature of the liturgical 12 months, making a rhythm of self-discipline and rejoicing. Feast days mark pivotal moments within the lifetime of Christ, the Theotokos, and different important saints. Their placement throughout the calendar offers context and goal for the previous fasts. For instance, the Nativity Quick culminates within the celebration of the Nativity of Christ, whereas Nice Lent precedes the joyous feast of Pascha (Easter). This dynamic relationship between fasting and feasting underscores the significance of each abstinence and celebration inside Orthodox non secular apply. The anticipation of a feast day enhances the non secular significance of the previous quick, offering motivation and a tangible aim for the interval of self-discipline. This understanding reinforces the integral function of feast days throughout the total framework of the fasting calendar.
Particular examples additional illuminate the connection between feast days and the fasting calendar. The Feast of the Transfiguration, occurring throughout the Dormition Quick, presents a second of non secular illumination inside a interval of abstinence. Equally, the feast days of assorted saints all year long present alternatives for reflection on their lives and emulation of their virtues, even during times of fasting. The celebration of those feast days typically includes particular liturgical providers, festive meals, and communal gatherings, offering a tangible expertise of pleasure and non secular renewal. This communal facet of feast day celebrations reinforces the social dimension of Orthodox religion, fostering a way of unity and shared goal amongst believers. These celebrations supply respite and non secular nourishment, punctuating the intervals of fasting with moments of profound pleasure and connection to the divine.
The strategic placement of feast days throughout the fasting calendar presents sensible and non secular advantages. The anticipation of a feast can strengthen resolve throughout a quick, making the interval of abstinence extra significant. The joyous celebration of a feast day serves as a reminder of the non secular fruits of self-discipline and offers renewed non secular vitality. Navigating the complexities of the fasting calendar, together with the variations in dietary restrictions and the particular dates of feast days, can current challenges. Consulting dependable sources, resembling liturgical calendars or steerage from clergy, can supply sensible help in observing these traditions. Finally, understanding the integral relationship between feast days and the fasting calendar offers a deeper appreciation for the richness and non secular depth of the Russian Orthodox custom. This built-in method to non secular apply emphasizes the cyclical nature of non secular life, balancing intervals of self-discipline with moments of pleasure and celebration.
5. Canonical Pointers
Canonical tips present the inspiration for the Russian Orthodox fasting calendar. These established guidelines, derived from sacred texts, councils, and the traditions of the Church, govern the length, timing, and particular dietary restrictions related to every fasting interval. Understanding these tips is crucial for correct observance of the fasts and for appreciating their non secular significance throughout the Orthodox custom. The canons supply a framework for navigating the complexities of the fasting calendar, guaranteeing consistency and adherence to established practices. They signify the collected knowledge of the Church, offering a structured method to non secular self-discipline. Exploring the important thing sides of those tips offers a deeper understanding of their function in shaping the 2024 fasting calendar.
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Historic Growth of Fasting Canons
The fasting canons developed over centuries, reflecting each the non secular and sensible realities of various historic intervals. Early Church practices typically integrated native customs and diversifications. Over time, Church councils formalized these practices, codifying them into particular canons. For instance, the canons of the Council of Trullo (692 AD) addressed varied facets of fasting, together with permissible meals and the length of fasts. These canons typically constructed upon earlier apostolic traditions and the writings of Church Fathers. Understanding this historic growth offers context for the present canonical tips governing the 2024 fasting calendar, illustrating the dynamic interaction between custom and evolving Church apply.
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Variations and Dispensations throughout the Canons
Whereas canonical tips present a normal framework, in addition they acknowledge the necessity for flexibility and adaptation to particular person circumstances. The canons enable for dispensations in circumstances of sickness, being pregnant, or different extenuating circumstances. This flexibility acknowledges that the non secular well-being of people shouldn’t be compromised by inflexible adherence to guidelines. Parish clergymen typically present steerage on applicable modifications to fasting practices based mostly on particular person wants. This nuanced method ensures that the main focus stays on the non secular intent of fasting fairly than strict legalism. The canons themselves present mechanisms for adapting the fasts whereas sustaining their core non secular rules. This flexibility highlights the pastoral sensitivity embedded inside canonical tips.
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Distinctions between Liturgical and Monastic Fasting Canons
Canonical tips distinguish between fasting practices for monastics and people for the laity. Monastic communities sometimes observe stricter fasts, reflecting their dedication to a lifetime of intensified prayer and asceticism. The canons prescribing monastic fasting typically contain longer durations of abstinence and extra stringent dietary restrictions. Whereas lay persons are inspired to comply with the fasting calendar to one of the best of their skill, the canons acknowledge the differing duties and life of these residing on this planet. This distinction underscores the precept of gradual non secular progress, permitting people to progress of their ascetic practices in keeping with their particular person circumstances and calling. Understanding these totally different ranges of fasting apply offers a broader perspective on the appliance of canonical tips.
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Interpretation and Utility of Canons in Modern Follow
Decoding and making use of canonical tips in modern contexts typically requires cautious discernment. Fashionable dietary habits and meals availability differ considerably from the historic context wherein many canons had been established. Consulting with non secular advisors and interesting in private reflection can assist people navigate these complexities. The emphasis stays on the non secular intent of the canons, adapting practices whereas preserving their core rules. This dynamic interaction between custom and modern wants ensures the continued relevance of canonical tips in shaping non secular life. By looking for steerage and interesting in considerate reflection, people can apply the knowledge of the canons in a significant and transformative manner inside their very own lives.
Canonical tips play an important function in shaping the Russian Orthodox fasting calendar for 2024. They supply a structured framework, rooted in custom and non secular knowledge, for navigating the complexities of fasting practices. By understanding the historic growth, variations, distinctions, and modern utility of those canons, people can have interaction with the fasting calendar in a extra knowledgeable and spiritually significant manner. This complete understanding enhances the transformative potential of the fasting calendar, selling each non secular self-discipline and a deeper connection to the liturgical lifetime of the Church.
6. Church Custom
Church custom offers the context and continuity for understanding the Russian Orthodox fasting calendar in 2024. This residing custom, handed down by means of generations, shapes not solely the particular practices of fasting but additionally the underlying theological and non secular rationale. It connects modern observers to centuries of collected knowledge and shared expertise throughout the Church. Inspecting particular sides of this custom reveals its profound affect on the fasting calendar.
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Transmission of Fasting Practices
Church custom serves because the automobile by means of which fasting practices are transmitted throughout generations. This transmission happens by means of liturgical texts, homilies, the teachings of Church Fathers, and the lived examples of elders throughout the group. The continuity supplied by this custom ensures that the non secular essence of fasting stays intact, whilst particular expressions might adapt to altering social and cultural contexts. The 2024 fasting calendar represents the most recent iteration of this ongoing transmission, connecting modern believers to the traditional practices of the Church. For instance, the apply of abstaining from meat and dairy throughout Nice Lent displays an unbroken custom courting again to the early centuries of Christianity. This continuity underscores the enduring energy of custom in shaping non secular apply.
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Theological Underpinnings of Fasting
Church custom offers the theological framework for understanding the aim and that means of fasting. The writings of Church Fathers, resembling St. John Chrysostom and St. Basil the Nice, supply profound insights into the non secular advantages of fasting, emphasizing its function in cultivating humility, combating sin, and drawing nearer to God. These theological reflections inform the modern understanding of fasting throughout the Russian Orthodox custom, shaping the motivations and non secular objectives related to observing the 2024 fasting calendar. For example, St. John Chrysostom’s emphasis on fasting as a method of detaching from worldly issues resonates with modern interpretations of fasting as a type of non secular purification.
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Cultural Expressions of Fasting
Church custom encompasses not solely theological rules but additionally cultural expressions of fasting. Conventional recipes, communal meals, and particular liturgical practices related to fasting intervals replicate the combination of fasting into the broader cultural lifetime of the Church. These cultural expressions present a tangible hyperlink to previous generations and reinforce the communal dimension of fasting. The 2024 fasting calendar, whereas adhering to established canonical tips, additionally offers house for these cultural expressions to flourish. For instance, the preparation of particular Lenten dishes, resembling lentil soup or mushroom-filled pies, serves as a tangible expression of cultural custom throughout the context of the fasting interval.
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Evolution and Adaptation of Fasting Practices
Church custom demonstrates a outstanding capability for each preserving core rules and adapting to altering circumstances. Whereas the basic goal of fasting stays constant, particular expressions of fasting might evolve over time, reflecting altering social, financial, and cultural realities. The 2024 fasting calendar represents a up to date expression of this dynamic custom, balancing adherence to established tips with sensitivity to the wants of recent life. For instance, whereas the canons concerning fasting stay in place, modern pastoral steerage typically emphasizes the significance of adapting fasting practices to particular person well being wants and circumstances. This adaptive capability ensures that the custom stays related and accessible to modern believers.
The Russian Orthodox fasting calendar for 2024 stands as a testomony to the enduring affect of Church custom. By analyzing the transmission of practices, theological underpinnings, cultural expressions, and adaptive capability inside this custom, one good points a deeper appreciation for the wealthy tapestry of that means embedded throughout the fasting calendar. This connection to custom offers continuity, context, and non secular depth to the apply of fasting, enriching the lives of those that observe it and connecting them to the broader historic narrative of the Church. Understanding this dynamic interaction between custom and modern apply is essential for navigating the complexities and appreciating the non secular significance of the fasting calendar in 2024.
7. Private Preparation
Private preparation performs an important function in observing the Russian Orthodox fasting calendar for 2024. It includes each sensible and non secular dimensions, guaranteeing that people method the fasting intervals with intentionality and understanding. Sensible preparation would possibly embrace planning meals upfront, contemplating different meals choices, and adjusting buying habits to align with dietary restrictions. Spiritually, private preparation includes prayer, reflection, and looking for steerage from non secular advisors. This intentional method maximizes the non secular advantages of fasting, remodeling it from mere dietary restriction right into a significant non secular train. With out satisfactory private preparation, the bodily challenges of fasting can overshadow its non secular goal. Conversely, thorough preparation permits people to navigate these challenges extra successfully and concentrate on the supposed non secular progress.
A number of components affect the effectiveness of private preparation. One’s degree of familiarity with the fasting calendar, together with the particular dates and dietary tips for every quick, considerably impacts one’s skill to organize adequately. Consulting dependable sources, resembling revealed calendars or on-line guides, offers readability and helps keep away from unintentional transgressions. Moreover, looking for steerage from skilled members of the Church or non secular advisors presents customized help and addresses particular questions or issues. Open communication with household and associates concerning fasting intentions may also create a supportive setting and reduce potential misunderstandings or temptations. These sensible steps facilitate a smoother transition into the fasting intervals and improve the general expertise.
Finally, the effectiveness of private preparation hinges on aligning one’s intentions with the non secular objectives of fasting. Fasting throughout the Orthodox custom goals to domesticate virtues resembling humility, self-control, and compassion. Private reflection on these virtues and the way they manifest in each day life strengthens the connection between fasting and non secular progress. Figuring out potential challenges, resembling temptations or social pressures, and creating methods to navigate them proactively minimizes distractions. This proactive method demonstrates a dedication to the non secular self-discipline inherent in fasting. Finally, private preparation fosters a deeper understanding of the transformative potential of the fasting calendar, enabling people to interact with the fasts in a manner that promotes real non secular progress and a deeper reference to the divine.
Continuously Requested Questions
This part addresses widespread inquiries concerning the 2024 Russian Orthodox fasting calendar, offering concise and informative responses to facilitate understanding and observance of those traditions.
Query 1: The place can one discover a dependable model of the 2024 Russian Orthodox fasting calendar?
Official Church publications, diocesan web sites, and respected Orthodox web sites typically publish the official fasting calendar. Bodily copies are regularly out there at parishes.
Query 2: How strictly should one adhere to the dietary restrictions outlined within the calendar?
Whereas adherence is inspired, particular person circumstances, resembling well being circumstances, must be thought-about. Consulting with a priest offers customized steerage for navigating particular conditions. Non secular intent stays paramount.
Query 3: What’s the non secular goal of observing the fasting intervals?
Fasting serves as a method of non secular self-discipline, fostering humility, self-control, and a deeper reference to God. It cultivates internal transformation and prepares people for the celebration of feast days.
Query 4: Are there exceptions to the fasting guidelines for youngsters or the aged?
Usually, better leniency is prolonged to kids, pregnant or nursing ladies, the aged, and people with well being issues. Pastoral steerage presents tailor-made suggestions based mostly on particular person wants.
Query 5: How does one deal with social conditions involving meals throughout fasting intervals?
Navigating social conditions respectfully and discreetly demonstrates dedication with out imposing beliefs on others. Explaining dietary restrictions briefly, if crucial, can suffice whereas sustaining a spirit of humility.
Query 6: What’s the significance of the variations in strictness between totally different fasting intervals?
The various levels of strictness replicate the liturgical significance of various intervals throughout the Church 12 months. Longer and stricter fasts, resembling Nice Lent, sometimes precede main feasts and supply alternatives for deeper non secular reflection and preparation.
Understanding the sensible and non secular dimensions of the fasting calendar enhances one’s skill to interact with these traditions meaningfully. Additional exploration of associated matters, such because the theological foundation of fasting and the historic growth of fasting practices, can present further context and insights.
The next part will discover the historic growth of fasting practices throughout the Russian Orthodox Church.
Ideas for Observing the 2024 Russian Orthodox Fasting Calendar
Observing the fasting calendar can current each non secular and sensible challenges. The following pointers supply steerage for navigating these challenges and maximizing the non secular advantages of fasting in 2024.
Tip 1: Seek the advice of Dependable Sources: Finding an correct and up-to-date calendar is essential. Official Church publications, diocesan web sites, or respected Orthodox web sites present dependable info, guaranteeing adherence to the prescribed tips for every fasting interval. Printed calendars from native parishes can be useful sources.
Tip 2: Plan Meals in Advance: Advance meal planning minimizes the chance of unintentionally breaking the quick. Exploring new recipes that includes permitted meals could make fasting extra fulfilling and fewer burdensome. This preemptive method helps keep adherence to dietary restrictions, particularly throughout busier intervals.
Tip 3: Search Non secular Steering: Consulting with a priest or non secular advisor presents customized steerage. This steerage addresses particular person circumstances, clarifies ambiguities concerning particular restrictions, and offers non secular help all through the fasting journey. Such individualized recommendation considers private well being wants and non secular objectives.
Tip 4: Give attention to Internal Transformation: Fasting encompasses greater than dietary restrictions; it goals to domesticate internal change. Specializing in prayer, reflection, and acts of charity amplifies the non secular advantages. This conscious method transforms fasting right into a holistic non secular apply, fostering humility and self-control.
Tip 5: Follow Gradual Implementation: For these new to fasting, a gradual method can show extra sustainable than abrupt adjustments. Beginning with shorter fasts or much less stringent restrictions eases the transition and builds a basis for extra prolonged intervals of abstinence. Gradual implementation permits one to adapt to the adjustments and minimizes discouragement.
Tip 6: Keep a Supportive Setting: Informing household and associates about fasting intentions fosters understanding and reduces potential social pressures. Shared meals with others observing the quick can create a way of group and mutual help. This communal facet can improve the general expertise.
Tip 7: Prioritize Non secular Nicely-being: Whereas adherence to tips is vital, prioritizing total well-being stays important. Adapting fasting practices to accommodate well being circumstances or different limitations, beneath the steerage of a non secular advisor, ensures the main focus stays on non secular progress fairly than inflexible adherence to guidelines. This versatile method permits for a extra sustainable and useful apply.
By implementing the following pointers, people can navigate the challenges and embrace the transformative potential of the 2024 Russian Orthodox fasting calendar. These sensible and non secular methods facilitate a deeper engagement with the traditions and improve the general non secular journey. The next part will present a concluding abstract of key insights and underscore the enduring significance of those practices.
The concluding part will summarize the important thing facets of the 2024 Russian Orthodox fasting calendar and reiterate its significance throughout the Orthodox custom.
Conclusion
The Russian Orthodox fasting calendar for 2024 offers a structured framework for non secular progress and liturgical observance. Exploration of this calendar has revealed its multifaceted nature, encompassing dietary restrictions, liturgical commemorations, canonical tips, historic context, and the significance of private preparation. The calendar’s integration throughout the liturgical 12 months emphasizes the cyclical rhythm of fasting and feasting, underscoring the non secular significance of each abstinence and celebration. Furthermore, an examination of Church custom reveals the deep historic roots of fasting practices, connecting modern observers to centuries of collected knowledge and shared non secular expertise.
The Russian Orthodox fasting calendar represents greater than a set of dietary rules; it embodies a non secular self-discipline geared toward fostering internal transformation and a deeper reference to the divine. Partaking with this calendar requires each sensible planning and non secular reflection. Understanding the theological underpinnings, historic context, and canonical tips enhances the transformative potential of fasting, permitting people to take part extra totally within the liturgical lifetime of the Church and domesticate a richer non secular life. Finally, the Russian Orthodox fasting calendar serves as a information for navigating a journey of non secular progress, providing a pathway towards better humility, self-control, and communion with God.
