Faithful Gather for Vespers and the Rite of Forgiveness to Begin Great Lent
On Sunday, March 2, the faithful and clergy of the Philadelphia Archeparchy gathered for Vespers with the Rite of Forgiveness, a meaningful tradition observed just before the start of Great Lent. This service serves as a time of purification and reconciliation, offering the faithful an opportunity to seek forgiveness from one another and restore their spiritual unity through prayer and mutual absolution.
At St. Vladimir's Parish in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Father Ruslan Romaniuk, the parish priest, led the service alongside clergy from the New Jersey Deanery. Expressing his gratitude on the parish’s Facebook page, he wrote, "We want to thank the clergy, sisters, and parishioners for attending this beautiful forgiveness service." Meanwhile, the priests of the South Anthracite and Philadelphia Deaneries also gathered to pray in unity.
The Rite of Forgiveness dates back to the early days of Christianity, originally serving as a preparation for the spiritual challenges of Great Lent. In the early Church, it was an essential practice ahead of major liturgical seasons, particularly Lent and Easter. Over time, it became a vital tradition symbolizing reconciliation among people and God’s boundless mercy. Through this rite, the faithful cleanse their hearts of grudges, burdens, and sins, making peace with one another so they may begin Lent with a renewed spirit and a clear conscience.
