The 46-day Lenten fast for Serbians and other Orthodox Christians is strict. Western Christians, for whom Sundays are exempt, fast for 40 days unlike Orthodox Christians who also fast on the six Sundays in Lent.
On 17 February 2008 the Government of Kosovo declared independence from Serbia. The overall security situation in Serbia remains calm, though there is an increased risk of sporadic incidents and a high likelihood of political protests.
Serbs are Orthodox Christians, and as such, are facing faith and church. Accordingly, much attention has been given a church wedding as seriously sanctity marriage, which is the basis and foundation of the family, and thus the church and state.