Today we in the Orthodox Church have arrived at the threshold of the Great and Holy Lent. Today is Cheesefare Sunday, according to tradition, the last day to partake of dairy products for the duration of Great Lent through Holy Week until the Feast of Feasts, Pascha. The central theme of Cheesefare Sunday is forgiveness.
Fasting rules or traditions of the Church have changed drastically from a period of two days to an additional 40 days plus Holy Week. There is no question that all Orthodox Christians are called to fast during this period, but to what extent that is usually left up to the individual and the discipline that would suit them and their family members. Reasonably young children and the elderly or those with infirmities are asked to fast in whatever manner that they can faithfully adhere to for the duration of the fast.
The most important fact on this Sunday is that we must begin the fast in a spirit of humility and love seeking forgiveness for everything that may have separated us from Our Lord Jesus Christ.
So as we begin Great Lent let us ask forgiveness from each other offering the salutation, “God Forgives”, thus entering our journey towards Christ’s Resurrection in peace and tranquility.
