On Sunday – March 2, 2025, the faithful of St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Memorial Church in South Bound Brook, New Jersey gathered in solemn reverence and spiritual anticipation for the Sunday of Forgiveness, also known as Cheesefare Sunday—the gateway to the sacred journey of Great and Holy Lent. With hearts yearning for renewal and repentance, the congregation, clergy, and seminarians of St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary stood in unity before His Eminence Archbishop Daniel, who presided over the Divine Liturgy and led the faithful in a profound reflection on the meaning of forgiveness and repentance.

Assisting in the liturgical celebration were Protopresbyter Yuriy Siwko – pastor of St. Andrew Memorial Church; Very Rev. Fr. Vasyl Pasakas, assistant pastor of the Memorial Church; Very Rev. Fr. Ivan Lyshyk; Rev. Fr. David Chidzhokie; Rev. Fr. Maksym Zhuravchyk; Protodeacon Pavlo Vysotskyi, and the seminarians of St. Sophia Seminary. Their voices, prayers, and sacred hymns elevated the hearts of those gathered, guiding them toward the divine embrace of Christ’s mercy.

Following the Gospel reading, which spoke of the necessity of forgiving one another so that the Heavenly Father may also forgive us (Matthew 6:14-21), Archbishop Daniel delivered a powerful sermon, illuminating the significance of this holy day. He reminded all present that forgiveness is the first step toward salvation, a divine commandment that leads us from bondage to freedom, from sorrow to joy, from estrangement to reconciliation.

"The greatest offering we can bring before God," Archbishop Daniel reflected, "is a heart purified by forgiveness. To begin this Lenten journey without first forgiving one another is like trying to walk a great distance with a heavy burden upon our shoulders. Christ calls us to lay down that burden and embrace the path of repentance with humility and love."

He continued, "These past five weeks of the pre-Lenten season have been a time of preparation. Now, we stand at the threshold of Great Lent, called to examine our hearts, cleanse our souls, and prepare ourselves for the glorious celebration of Christ’s Holy Resurrection. Do not be afraid to forgive. Do not hesitate to ask for forgiveness. This is the path of true freedom in Christ."

Moved by the words of their spiritual father, the faithful approached the Most Holy Eucharist, receiving the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, thus uniting themselves fully with Him. This sacred moment was a reminder that the Lenten journey is not one we walk alone, but one in which Christ Himself sustains us, strengthens us, and leads us toward the light of His Paschal victory.

"Let us not begin this journey empty-handed," Archbishop Daniel urged. "Approach the Chalice of Life. Be strengthened by the Holy Eucharist. Allow Christ to dwell within you, that He may guide you through these forty days of prayer, fasting, and repentance."

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Daniel expressed heartfelt gratitude to the choir of St. Andrew Memorial Church, under the direction of Maestro Michael Andrec, whose voices lifted the souls of all in prayerful song.

A particularly touching moment followed as Archbishop Daniel recognized the twelfth wedding anniversary of Very Rev. Fr. Vasyl Pasakas and his wife, Pani Matka Oksana Pasakas. He spoke warmly of their journey in faith, their love, and their dedication to the Church, offering a prayerful blessing for their continued spiritual and familial strength. "In marriage, as in all of life," he reflected, "love is found in sacrifice, in mutual forgiveness, and in walking together toward the Kingdom of God." The faithful responded with a heartfelt "Mnohaya Lita!", offering prayers for many blessed years of service and devotion.

With all hearts turned toward the mercy of Christ, the Rite of Forgiveness began. Clergy and faithful approached one another, humbly bowing, embracing, and exchanging the sacred words: "Forgive me, a sinner." "May God forgive you, and I forgive you as well."

Tears glistened in the eyes of many as this ancient tradition unfolded—a profound act of humility and love, setting the tone for the Great Fast. One by one, the people of God let go of burdens, reconciled with one another, and stepped forward in faith.

The Lenten journey had begun - not merely with fasting, but with love. Not merely with sacrifice, but with reconciliation.

As we now embark upon the next five weeks of Great and Holy Lent, let us remember the words of Archbishop Daniel:

"Great Lent is not a burden, but a gift. It is an opportunity to return to God with all our hearts. Do not be discouraged by the trials that may come, but rather embrace them as steps toward spiritual renewal. Pray without ceasing. Fast with joy. Love without condition. And above all, forgive. For in forgiveness, we will find the true peace of Christ."

Let us walk this journey together as a Church, encouraging one another, praying for one another, and lifting each other up in faith. And when we finally arrive at the radiant dawn of Pascha, may our hearts be filled with the unshakable joy of the Risen Christ!

May God bless us all as we begin this sacred pilgrimage of repentance, renewal, and love. Amen.