Philadelphia Faithful Begin Great Lent with Forgiveness Vespers

On Sunday, February 16, the faithful of the Ukrainian Catholic Church in the Philadelphia area began the Lenten journey with Forgiveness Vespers, traditionally celebrated on the eve of Great Lent. In Philadelphia, the service was organized by the Philadelphia Deanery and celebrated at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral.

The Vespers were led by Fr. Roman Pitula, with a homily delivered by Fr. Daniel Troyan, pastor of the Myrrh Bearers Parish in Swarthmore. Sung responses were offered by Volodymyr Klanichka, Philadelphia Dean, together with Fr. Wasyl Kharuk, pastor of St. Michael Parish in Jenkintown.

In his homily, Fr. Daniel reflected on the meaning of Forgiveness Sunday as the spiritual foundation of Great Lent. He emphasized that the faithful gather not with pride, but with humility, seeking to restore their relationship with God and with one another, “This is the Sunday of forgiveness, when we gather together in our churches. We come before God in humility, not with pride, asking for His mercy and desiring to be restored as children of light and of the Lord.”

He stressed that the disciplines and practices of Lent are not goals in themselves, but a means of renewing communion with God — lived out within families, parishes, and communities, “The practices of Lent help us restore the relationship we have with God.”

He noted, “When relationships are broken — when someone sins against us — the only way to heal them is through forgiveness. That is why our Lenten journey begins with forgiveness.”

Reflecting on Christ’s teaching, Fr. Daniel reminded the faithful that forgiveness has no limit, because its source is God Himself.

“The source of infinite forgiveness is God, who is infinitely forgiving,” he said. “Although God does not sin, He forgives us our sins. We who sin are called to show patience, mercy, and forgiveness toward one another, just as God forgives us.”

He concluded by emphasizing that forgiveness transforms both personal lives and communities, allowing love that comes from God to take the place of resentment and division.

“Through the power of the Holy Spirit and the love of Jesus Christ, we are able to forgive as we have been forgiven,” Fr. Daniel said. “In this way, we are called to build the Kingdom of Heaven already here on earth.”