It's Lent
On Sunday evening, our family attended Forgiveness Vespers at our parish. Orthodox Christians begin this season of Lent by asking forgiveness of those whom they may have offended by thought, word or deed, consciously or unconsciously. It is, for me, a very meaningful service and I find myself feeling almost joyful at being relieved of so many burdens. Of course, it is immeasurably difficult to look someone in the eye and ask their forgiveness when you know, without a doubt, that you have hurt or neglected him or had some unkind thoughts about him. Grown men and their teenage sons sobbing on each others shoulders is not an unusual sight, and yet we all manage to remain respectful and non-gawkish. It doesn’t feel forced or phony, but very real. I think we are particularly blessed to have a smaller parish for this very reason. You usually know the person you are asking for forgiveness.
Forgiveness Vespers, Great Lent