Three weeks before the onset of Lent, the Church begins to prepare believers for it with special readings and chants. According to the Gospels read on Sundays during these weeks, each of these weeks has a special name. The first of them is called the week of the publican and the Pharisee; the second - the week about the prodigal son; the third is about the Last Judgment, and also about meat-eating, because this week ends meat-eating. The day before, on Saturday, the commemoration of all the deceased “forefathers, fathers and brothers” is performed, which is why this Saturday is called “parental”.
The last preparatory week is called cheese or butter week, because during this week, according to the church charter, the consumption of meat food is prohibited, and only the consumption of cheese, milk, butter and eggs is allowed.