Journey to Pascha Series - Lesson #5: Forgiveness Vespers in Eastern Orthodox Christianity

Forgiveness Vespers in Eastern Orthodox Christianity

1. History and Origin

Forgiveness Vespers is the liturgical gateway to Great Lent in the Eastern Orthodox Church. It is celebrated on the evening of Forgiveness Sunday, which is also known as Cheesefare Sunday—the final day before the full Lenten fast begins. The origins of this service can be traced to early monastic practices in the Egyptian desert and the ascetic communities of Palestine and Sinai.

In these monastic settings, before embarking on Great Lent’s intensified ascetical struggle, monks would seek reconciliation with one another. This tradition of mutual forgiveness was carried into the broader life of the Church, becoming a communal practice for all Orthodox Christians. The structure of Forgiveness Vespers, as we have it today, was developed within the Byzantine rite, incorporating penitential hymns and the prostration-based Rite of Forgiveness at the end.

2. Liturgical Structure and Practice

The service of Forgiveness Vespers follows the normal structure of Sunday evening Vespers but transitions into a Lenten atmosphere, both musically and liturgically.

A. Opening: Regular Vespers Format

• Psalm 103 (104) – The usual opening of Vespers, glorifying God as Creator.
• Great Litany – Petitions for peace, mercy, and the salvation of all.
• Psalms and Hymns – Normal Vespers psalms are chanted, preparing the heart for prayer.

B. Transition to Lent: The First Liturgical Change

The defining moment of Forgiveness Vespers occurs at the chanting of “Vouchsafe, O Lord” (Grant us, O Lord, this evening…). At this point, the service transitions into the Lenten tone, marking the beginning of the penitential season.

• The bright vestments of the clergy are exchanged for dark Lenten colors.
• The hymnology shifts, introducing the solemn and reflective Lenten melodies.
• The chanting becomes slower and more mournful, reflecting the penitential theme.

C. Singing of the Great Lenten Hymn: ‘Let Us Begin the Fast with Joy’

One of the most powerful moments of the service is the chanting of the stichera, particularly the hymn:

"Let us begin the fast with joy! Let us prepare ourselves for spiritual efforts! Let us purify our soul, let us purify our body! Let us fast from passions as we fast from food, taking delight in the virtues of the Spirit, and persevering in them with love, that we may all be made worthy to see the Passion of Christ our God, and to celebrate in joy His Holy Resurrection!"

This hymn captures the paradoxical joy and sorrow of Lent, emphasizing that fasting is not merely external but a spiritual purification of soul and body.

D. Prostrations and The Rite of Forgiveness

At the conclusion of the service, the clergy and faithful participate in the Rite of Forgiveness:

The priest stands before the people and asks their forgiveness:

“Forgive me, a sinner.”

The faithful respond: “God forgives, and I forgive.”

Each member of the congregation then asks forgiveness of one another, moving in a circle of mutual reconciliation with bows and prostrations.

As this takes place, the Lenten hymns of Pascha are sung softly in the background:

"Thy Resurrection, O Christ our Savior, the angels in heaven sing. Enable us on earth to glorify Thee in purity of heart!"

This liturgical act of humility and love mirrors Christ’s teaching on reconciliation (Matthew 6:14-15) and prepares the faithful for the spiritual battle of Lent with a heart cleansed of resentment.

3. Theological Significance

Forgiveness Vespers is not just a symbolic or emotional moment; it holds deep theological meaning in the Orthodox understanding of sin, repentance, and the spiritual struggle of Lent.

A. Forgiveness as a Prerequisite for Salvation

The service is grounded in Christ’s command:

“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14-15)

By seeking and granting forgiveness before Lent begins, Orthodox Christians enter the fast with a heart free of bitterness, ensuring that their prayers and ascetical efforts are not hindered by resentment.

B. The Link Between Forgiveness and Theosis

• St. Maximus the Confessor teaches that forgiveness is necessary for purifying the soul from passions, as resentment darkens the nous (the eye of the soul).
• St. John Climacus (The Ladder of Divine Ascent) calls anger and unforgiveness “chains of the soul” that keep one from progressing toward divine union.
• St. Gregory Palamas emphasizes that only a pure heart can receive the uncreated light of God, and forgiveness is an essential step in this purification.

C. The Cosmic Struggle Against Sin and Passions

The shift from bright vestments to dark Lenten colors symbolizes the banishment of Adam and Eve from Paradise, as well as our personal exile into sin. The Church calls the faithful to reverse Adam’s fall, beginning the journey back to Eden through repentance and fasting.

D. Spiritual Warfare and the Paschal Goal

Forgiveness Vespers marks the transition from a joyful, preparatory period (Pre-Lent) to the battlefield of Lent. This service reminds the faithful that:

• The struggle of Lent is not simply about food, but about victory over sin.
• The goal of Lent is Pascha, the Resurrection of Christ—our hope and ultimate destination.
• The spiritual life is relational—we cannot progress toward God unless we reconcile with our brethren.

4. Conclusion: Forgiveness as the First Step to Pascha

Forgiveness Vespers is more than just a moving ritual; it is the first step of the Lenten pilgrimage. Before we begin fasting, before we increase our prayers, before we labor in spiritual struggle, we must first restore love among ourselves.

By humbling ourselves and asking for forgiveness, we follow the example of Christ, who forgave even from the Cross (Luke 23:34). Through this mutual reconciliation, we cleanse our souls, preparing to experience the full depth of Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection.

Thus, the words of the hymn resound with even greater meaning:

"Let us begin the fast with joy!"

For in true forgiveness, we have already taken our first step toward Pascha.

Selected Hymnography of Forgiveness Sunday

From "Lord I Call..." Tone 3

Save me, O Lord my God:
You are the Salvation of all!
The storm of my passions troubles me;
the yoke of my sins weighs me down.
Stretch out Your hand to help me;
lead me to the light of repentance,//
for You alone are the compassionate Lover of man!

V. (8) Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord. Lord, hear my voice!

O Lord, gather my scattered mind,

and cleanse my barren heart!

Grant me repentance—as You gave to Peter,

groans—as You gave the Publican, and tears—as to the Harlot,

so that I may cry to You with a loud voice://

“Save me, O God, as You alone are tender-hearted and the Lover of man!”

V. (7) Let Your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications!

Often, when I am singing hymns,

I find myself committing sins.

With my tongue I am singing praises,

but with my soul, I am pondering evil things.//

But correct both through repentance, O Christ God, and save me!

V. (6) If You, O Lord, should mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with You.


Tone 2   (from the Lenten Triodion, by Joseph) (Joseph of Arimathea)

Let us humble the flesh by abstinence,

as we follow the divine path of pure fasting!

With prayers and tears let us seek the Lord, Who saves us!

Let us put an end to anger, crying out:

“Save us for we have sinned against You!

Save us, O Christ our King, as You saved the men of Nineveh,//

and make us partakers of Your heavenly Kingdom, O compassionate One!”

V. (5) For Your Name’s sake I wait for You, O Lord. My soul has waited for Your word; my soul has hoped on the Lord.

When I think of my deeds, O Lord,

I am filled with despair,

and know that I am worthy of every torment.

I have despised Your commandments, O Savior.

I have spent my life as a prodigal.

I pray to You, O only merciful One:

“Cleanse me by repentance,

enlighten me through prayers and fasting,//

and despise me not, O most gracious Benefactor of all!”

V. (4) From the morning watch until night, from the morning watch, let Israel hope on the Lord!

Tone 2 (from the Lenten Triodion, by Theodore)

Let us begin the fast with joy!

Let us prepare ourselves for spiritual efforts!

Let us cleanse our soul and cleanse our flesh!

Let us abstain from every passion as we abstain from food!

Let us rejoice in virtues of the Spirit and fulfill them in love,

that we all may see the Passion of Christ our God,//

and rejoice in spirit at the holy Pascha!

Tone 1 (Theotokion)

Rejoice, O strange and wonderful report, O chaste Virgin;

rejoice, holy tree of Paradise, planted by God;

rejoice, blotting out of evil demons;

rejoice, two-edged sword, beheading the enemy by your strange and marvelous birth-giving!

O Maiden, all-holy and supremely blameless,//

call us back, who are in exile.

Aposticha

4  Idiomelon (from the Lenten Triodion)

Your grace hath shone forth, O Lord:

the grace which illumines our soul.

This is the acceptable time!

This is the time of repentance!

Let us lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light,

that passing through the Fast as through a great sea

we may reach the Resurrection on the third day//

of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior of our souls.

V. I lift up mine eyes to You, enthroned in the heavens! Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till He have mercy upon us.(Ps 122:1-2)


V. Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us, for we have had more than enough of contempt. Too long our soul has been sated with the scorn of those who are at ease, the contempt of the proud. (Ps. 122:3-4)

Tone 4 (from the Lenten Triodion)

The angelic hosts glorify you, O Mother of God,

for you gave birth to God,

co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit,

Who, by His own desire, created the angelic hosts out of nothing.

Beseech Him to deliver from corruption and to enlighten//

the souls of those who rightly praise you, O most pure one!

Conclusion

The hymnography of Forgiveness Vespers captures the profound themes of repentance, humility, divine mercy, and the spiritual struggle of Great Lent. Below is a summary of the key themes present in these hymns:

1. Repentance and Divine Mercy

The hymns emphasize personal sinfulness and the urgent plea for God’s mercy. The verses highlight the struggle with passions, the burden of sin, and the need for God’s compassionate intervention.

Example: “Save me, O Lord my God: You are the Salvation of all! The storm of my passions troubles me; the yoke of my sins weighs me down.”

2. Spiritual Renewal and Transformation

The faithful are called to spiritual purification through fasting, prayer, and repentance. The hymns encourage laying aside sinful ways and embracing virtue as preparation for Pascha.

Example: “Let us begin the fast with joy! Let us prepare ourselves for spiritual efforts! Let us cleanse our soul and cleanse our flesh!”

3. Humility and Awareness of Sin

The hymns express a deep sense of unworthiness and recognition of personal failings, using figures like Peter, the Publican, and the Harlot as examples of true repentance.

Example: “Grant me repentance—as You gave to Peter, groans—as You gave the Publican, and tears—as to the Harlot.”

4. Struggle Between External Worship and Inner Purity

There is an acknowledgment of the hypocrisy that can occur when outward religious acts (such as singing hymns) do not align with inner purity.

Example: “Often, when I am singing hymns, I find myself committing sins. With my tongue I am singing praises, but with my soul, I am pondering evil things.”

5. Fasting as a Means of Spiritual Warfare

The hymns emphasize fasting not just as abstinence from food but as a means of overcoming passions, anger, and sinful desires.

Example: “Let us humble the flesh by abstinence, as we follow the divine path of pure fasting! With prayers and tears let us seek the Lord, Who saves us!”

6. Christ’s Redemptive Work and the Journey to Pascha

The hymnography connects the Lenten struggle with Christ’s Passion and Resurrection, portraying Lent as a spiritual journey leading to the ultimate joy of Pascha.

Example: “That passing through the Fast as through a great sea, we may reach the Resurrection on the third day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

7. The Theotokos as an Intercessor

The Mother of God is praised as a powerful advocate, capable of calling back those who are in spiritual exile.

Example: “O Maiden, all-holy and supremely blameless, call us back, who are in exile.”

The hymnography of Forgiveness Vespers establishes the foundation of Great Lent, urging believers toward repentance, humility, and inner transformation. It vividly portrays the struggle between sin and virtue, the importance of fasting, and the hope of resurrection, reminding the faithful of God’s infinite mercy and the joy that awaits them at Pascha.