Forgiveness Sunday at our Church
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On Sun., Feb. 14, 2010, despite the difficulty many worshippers had in getting past the Austin Marathon routes which encircled our church and shut off access to the chapel, there was a good attendance on Cheesefare Sunday. Also called Forgiveness Sunday, the last day before Lent 2010, this day is the time for a special Russian custom. I am referring to the Bliny Supper after Liturgy on Cheesefare Sunday. Bliny is usually translated "pancakes," but maybe "crepes" is more like it. They are definitely not the kind of pancakes you get at IHOP. After the Liturgy, newly-elected church warden Dmitri ("Jim") Mercier took the oath of office on the Cross and Gospels. The open-air Bliny Supper which followed was a great success. There was festive folk music, and the food was absolutely delicious. We got to meet some new friends, and then, with the bell ringing solemnly, we re-entered the church and Forgiveness Vespers began, with its moving hymns of repentance. At the end of this service came another wonderful custom from the spiritual heritage of Russia, and just as helpful to every American as to any Russian: Everyone came up, two by two, to venerate the icons and Cross, then each person asked forgiveness of each other person, and granted their forgiveness for all sins of the past year. Thus, with forgiveness for and from our neighbour, cleansed by Christ's Body and Blood, having had our modest "Mardi Gras," we walked out of church refreshed and ready for the invisible battles of Lent, the Great Fast. We hope to post pictures here soon, of our Bliny Supper and Forgiveness Vespers. Feel free to leave us a comment below, and God bless you. hieromonk Aidan (Keller)+ a sinner Protection of the Holy Mother of God Orthodox Church, Austin, Texas Yes |
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March 01, 2010 - 01:34 PM Halbert
I miss my Russian friends. +PAX
Halbert~