Forgiveness Sunday

Today marks Forgiveness Sunday in the Orthodox Church, the beginning of Great Lent.  The icon for today is the Expulsion from Eden, a reminder that the first sin was a breaking of the fast imposed by God.  In remembrance, we will also begin the great Lenten fast, which is why today is also called "Cheesefare Sunday" -- the last day we will eat dairy until Great and Holy Pascha, which this year coincides with Western Easter on April 20.

For all my many offenses, please forgive this sinner.