😉 Hello everyone! Thank you for choosing the article “What They Do On Forgiveness Sunday: History and Traditions” on this site!
What is Forgiveness Sunday
There is no such holiday in the church calendar. In fact, it is called Cheeseweed Week – a Sunday afternoon when you cannot eat meat, but you can eat dairy and cheese products.
Forgiveness Sunday is always the last day of Shrovetide before Lent. Relatives, relatives, friends and neighbors gather around the table to eat pancakes and chat. All insults are forgotten and forgiven. After that, fast food and various amusements are excluded for those observing the fast for seven weeks.
On Forgiveness Sunday, the clergy and parishioners ask each other for forgiveness. This is necessary in order for a person to enter Great Lent with a clear soul and conscience. For Orthodox Christians, this is an important stage of cleansing.
In the first centuries of Christianity, there was no reconciliation before the beginning of Great Lent. This tradition came from the monks who lived in Palestine in the IV-V centuries. During the many days of fasting, they went into the desert. There they spent their time in prayer and solitude.
On Sundays they gathered together for the liturgy. But not everyone came – the desert is full of dangers. Therefore, each Sunday meeting could be the last for someone, the monks asked each other for forgiveness before parting. Over time, this custom began to be performed in all temples.
How to ask for forgiveness
There is a verbal formula for forgiveness. Anyone who wants to be reconciled says: “Forgive me, brother (sister)!”. When addressing the priest: “Forgive me, father!”. The one who was contacted answers: “God will forgive, and I forgive you.” At this moment, both people bow to each other.
Remember: you can not ask for forgiveness in a hurry, “for show.” Most importantly, do it sincerely, with all your heart.
Dos and Don’ts on Forgiveness Sunday
Postpone work (such as renovating an apartment or house). Household labor is allowed. It is forbidden to quarrel, scold or offend anyone. Falsehood (pretense, hypocrisy) in a request for forgiveness is not allowed. Reconcile mindfully.
😉 Friends, now you know what they are doing on Forgiveness Sunday. Hurry up to ask for forgiveness. Forgive everyone who asks you – we are all not without sin.