Moscow, Mar. 2, 2007 (CWNews.com) - Only 2% of Russia’s people follow the strict fast prescribed by the Russian Orthodox faith during Lent, a survey has found.

The Lewada polling service found that 79% of Russians do not observe any form of Lenten fast. Another 15% reported that they fast occasionally, following practices such as abstaining from meat or alcoholic beverages.

The fast required by the Russian Orthodox Church is much stricter, requiring the faithful to abstain from meat, eggs, and milk products throughout Lent. Eating fish is allowed on Sundays and holy days.