Yes, 40 is the days of fasting and abstinence for both Nativity and the Great Fast. It is also the number of days in folklore in terms of St. Swithen's day when it comes to rain, if it rains on July 15th, then it would continue to rain for 40 days straight (I think this was the story of Noah's Ark, too, iirc).
Also, I didn't even think about counting how many "Lord Have Mercies" were sung throughout an entire Divine Liturgy, or let alone, the Litany of Peace itself, counting how many intentions there were. Perhaps I should do that now, that I'm thinking about it...
EDIT: Yep, that's twelve intentions where you respond "Lord Have Mercy" in the Litany of Peace. Just counted that now.
Last edited by 8IronBob; 12/11/12 04:45 PM.
