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At Forgiveness Vespers we witness the transition into Lent. The vestments changed to dark colors, the lights dimmed, the incense changed, and the censor swinging in silence, with its bells removed. The choir begins singing in the Lenten tone as the prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian is read, accompanied by prostrations.
At the conclusion of this service the ceremony of forgiveness takes place:
The priest stands next to the icon of the Theotokos at the iconostasis. One by one, the faithful slightly bow before the priest, who also does the same before each of the faithful, each saying to one another, "Forgive me, a sinner." The response is "God forgives." The faithful also ask forgiveness from each other in the same manner.
During the rite of forgiveness Paschal hymns are sung, reminding us that the light of the Resurrection sustains us in our Lenten journey.
This service should not be missed, and is open to St. Elias parishioners, catechumens, inquirers, visitors, as well as our friends, family, and community.
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