The Orthodox Church celebrates Forgiveness Sunday
A fragment of an icon. Photo: schoolofmary.org
On Sunday, 2 March 2025, Orthodox Christians celebrates Forgiveness Sunday – a special day before the beginning of Great Lent, dedicated to repentance, forgiveness of offences, and reconciliation with others.
This day concludes the preparatory period before Lent and emphasizes the necessity of spiritual purification.
It is called "Forgiveness" Sunday because, during the Liturgy, a passage from the Gospel of Matthew is read: "If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses...."
Forgiveness Sunday is also known as Cheesefare Sunday, as it marks the final day of consuming non-fasting foods, except for dairy products and eggs. From this point, believers enter Great Lent, which lasts for forty days and concludes with the celebration of the Bright Resurrection of Christ – Easter.
The main tradition of this day is the custom of asking for forgiveness from one another. In the evening, a special rite of forgiveness is performed in churches, during which clergy and parishioners ask each other for forgiveness, saying: "Forgive me, brother (sister), for everything!" and receiving the response: "God forgives, and I forgive."
This centuries-old tradition reminds Orthodox Christians of the importance of reconciliation, forgiving grievances, and purifying the heart before Lent.
Furthermore, Forgiveness Sunday recalls the expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise. This biblical episode symbolizes the consequences of the Fall and the necessity of repentance in order to regain spiritual closeness to God.
Forgiveness Sunday is an opportunity to acknowledge one's mistakes, cleanse the soul of negative emotions, and prepare for the spiritual journey of Great Lent with peace in one's heart.
As earlier reported by the UOJ, the Church celebrates Ecumenical Parental Saturday.
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