Longer than Jewish fast, Pass. meal before midnight 8. Extension of fast beyond Jews typical of Chrn. E. Marking of Chrn Passover gradually extends backwards in prep. Extensions occur differently in various places 2. Late 2d c.
Distinction sees days just before Passover more signif.
1' Called 40 day fast, minus Suns. Late 4th c. Paschal fast six days before Passover d. But 40 days includes Holy Week as season of fasting 7. Constantine b. Prohibited kneeling during 50 days following Pascha c. Established 40 day pre-Paschal fast for whole church 1' 40 days left ambiguous by Nicea 2' Applied differently across church .