Cheesefare Sunday prepares the faithful for Great Lent and repentance

published on 3/2/25 7:15 AM

Photo: BTA

Today is Cheesefare Sunday. According to Orthodox tradition, this day is observed on the eve of Great Lent, when Christians seek and give forgiveness to each other. It is also known as Sirni Zagovezni because it marks the last day before Lent, when those fasting are allowed to eat dairy products and eggs.

During the evening service, the faithful turn to one another with the words "Be forgiven! Forgive me!", embracing as a sign of brotherly love. Families gather and children humbly ask their parents for forgiveness.

For the Church, Great Lent is the most important fast of all, because it spiritually prepares the faithful for the most glorious feast - the Resurrection of Christ. In this sense, forgiveness is seen as an essential condition for communion with God.

The Church encourages the faithful to cleanse their hearts of accumulated grievances and to embrace mercy, humility and reconciliation - to make peace with their enemies and show compassion to all.

This can be achieved through fasting which is not only a restriction of food, but also a renunciation of various comforts and distractions that feed the ego.It also helps one turn inward, reflect on one's sins, and sincerely repent for actions driven by pride.

Through this purification of soul and body, believers prepare for union with God through Holy Communion.

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Cheesefare Sunday prepares the faithful for Great Lent and repentance

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