Forgiveness Sunday: The final Sunday before Great Lent

·

Forgiveness Sunday, also known as Cheesefare Sunday, is the final Sunday before Great Lent in the Orthodox Christian tradition. It marks the transition into the Lenten season, emphasizing repentance, humility, and forgiveness. The Church services on this day highlight Adam and Eve’s exile from Paradise, reminding the faithful of humanity’s separation from God due to sin and the call to seek His mercy.

The biblical theme of this Sunday is twofold: Adam’s expulsion from Eden and the necessity of forgiveness. The Gospel reading (Matthew 6:14-21) stresses that true repentance is incomplete without forgiving others. A special Vespers service, known as the Vespers of Forgiveness, concludes the day, during which worshippers seek mutual forgiveness, signifying the communal journey through Lent.

The icon of this feast depicts Adam and Eve standing in shame before Christ as they are led out of Paradise by an angel. This visual representation reinforces the consequences of sin and the hope of restoration through Christ’s sacrifice.

Cheesefare Sunday is also the last day to consume dairy products before the strict Lenten fast begins on Clean Monday. It serves as both a physical and spiritual preparation for the fasting season.

Orthodox Christians are encouraged to enter Lent with prayer, fasting, and confession. The journey of Great Lent is not undertaken alone but as a united community, supported by the prayers of the saints and one another in faith.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Greek teen killed in armed robbery in Brazil

Tragedy struck a Greek family living in Brazil when Theodore Kattavenos, originally from Psinthos, Rhodes, was shot dead by robbers.

Thessaloniki marks dual celebration of Saint Demetrios and 113 years since liberation

Thessaloniki celebrated the feast day of patron saint, Saint Demetrios, alongside the 113th anniversary of liberation from Ottoman rule.

‘Una Faccia, Una Razza’: The politics of memory and the power of saying ‘OXI’

The annual homage to “OHI” Day stems from Greece's Prime Minister Metaxas firmly stating “OHI” (NO) to Mussolini's request.

The Master Miller and the art of olive oil perfection

The Master Miller’s mission has its roots in a philosophy that begins at the olive tree and reaches the heart of those who seek quality.

Brain regain: For the first time in 14 years, more people return to Greece than leave

For the first time in over a decade, Greece is witnessing a positive migration balance as more Greeks return home than emigrate.

You May Also Like

Nick Kyrgios suffers heartbreaking defeat against World No. 1 Rafael Nadal in Australian Open fourth round

Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios has been knocked out of the Australian open after losing to World No.1 Rafael Nadal in a four set battle.

SA bikie sentenced for violent confrontation with Michael Kriticos and his neighbour

Michael Kriticos found himself at the centre of a violent incident involving former bikie Mark Sandery, who has now been jailed.

The 15 best Greek sporting moments of 2024

2024 has been a year of victory and accomplishment for Greek and Greek Australian athletes. Here's our top 15 sporting moments.