Representation of the Orthodox Church in America
to the Russian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate

News | 14-02-10 Forgiveness Vespers at St Catherine the Great Martyr Church

On Sunday evening, February 14, 2010, Archimandrite Zacchaeus, Dean of St Catherine the Great Martyr Church, together with parish clergy, Priest Vadim Leonov and Deacon Gleb Kraezhevskykh concelebrated the Vespers on the eve of the first day of the Great and Holy 40 day Fast. Following the conclusion of the Vespers, which after the reading of “Vouchsafe, O Lord…” took on a Lenten quality as the solemn hymns that were sung were those appointed for the Fast, and also the vestments in the church were changed from blue (for the feast of the Meeting of the Lord) to black, Archimandrite Zacchaeus preached a sermon on the importance of repentance and forgiveness in the life of every Christian. Likewise, he also confessed his shortcomings to the gathered parishioners and made a prostration before the assembly.

After the words of the parish Dean, which moved many in the temple to tears, the “Rite of Forgiveness” took place during which each parishioner had the opportunity to beseech forgiveness for their sins and trespasses and thus “begin the Fast with joy” – the joy of mutual forgiveness.