This year the Triodion begins on Sunday, February 9. The Triodion is a three-week pre-Lenten season during which the Church prepares us for repentance.
The first Sunday of the three-week period prior to the commencement of Great Lent, on February 9, is called Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee.
The Sunday of the Prodigal Son, on February 16, is the second Sunday.
The Sunday of the Last Judgment (Meatfare Sunday), on February 23, is the third Sunday.
The Sunday of Forgiveness (Cheesefare Sunday), on March 1, is the last Sunday prior to the commencement of Great Lent.
On Monday, March 02, 2020 (Clean Monday) begins the Holy and Great Lent.
Regarding fasting the Church commands the following:
1. On Wednesday (February 12, 2020) and Friday (February 14, 2020), everything is allowed, including meat. Because fasting is not an end in itself, but a means of obtaining virtues.
2. On Wednesday and Friday (February 19 and 21, 2020) there is an absolute fast, ie neither wine nor oil are permitted. These two days complete the 50 days of fasting, from Clean Monday to Holy and Great Saturday.
3. During the whole week, after Meatfare Sunday, everything can be consumed but meat (Cheesefare week).
4. During the Holy and Great Lent, which begins on Monday, March 02, 2020 (Clean Monday), you can consume wine and oil only during the weekends.
