Forgiven Sunday 2025: traditions, how to ask for forgiveness, prayer and prohibitions.

Forgiven Sunday is the last day of Maslenitsa, before Great Lent. In 2025, this holiday is celebrated on March 2.

This day is dedicated to spiritual purification and preparation for Great Lent.

On Forgiven Sunday, people ask for forgiveness for their sins, both before God and before their loved ones and friends.

Traditions

In ancient times, monks from the Monastery of Saint Sava in Palestine would go into the desert before Great Lent. There they celebrated the beginning of the fast, and then did not see each other until the Feast of the Lord's Entry into Jerusalem. Therefore, before departing to the desert, they would apologize to one another.

This tradition has carried into modern times. On Forgiven Sunday, churches conduct a rite of forgiveness, during which people forgive one another.

Asking for forgiveness on this day, the faithful respond: 'God forgives and I forgive.'

Also, on Forgiven Sunday it is worth doing good deeds, visiting the church and spending Time with family.

Prayer of repentance and forgiveness

O my God, I surrender to You everything - soul, body, feelings, words, deeds. Protect me from evil and forgive me for many sins. Cleanse my life and protect me from evil forces. Lead me to You and grant mercy on the terrible Judgment.

Poems and greetings on Forgiven Sunday

We ask for forgiveness and forgiveAll grievances and offenses of the past.Let spiritual purification take its place.Let kindness and love fill our hearts.

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Forgive the offenses, and forgive as well.Leave conflicts and negativity in the past.Let us fill the world with kindness and peace.Forgive each other and be happy.

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Maslenitsa is coming to an end, but we begin anew.The last Sunday before Great Lent asks for forgiveness.I ask for forgiveness for all my offenses and grievances, and I ask everyone to forgive me.I wish everyone happiness and peace in their hearts.