Forgiveness

Before we begin our Lenten journey, we need to do something very important: ask for forgiveness. In Greek, the Sunday before Lent is called "Kyriaki tis Syngchoresis" — Forgiveness Sunday. Jesus taught us that we must forgive others, just as God forgives us. Sometimes we say unkind things. Sometimes we hurt our friends' feelings. Asking for forgiveness means saying: "Signomi" — I'm sorry. In many Greek churches on Forgiveness Sunday, everyone turns to each other and says: "Sygnorise me" — Forgive me. And the other person responds: "O Theos na se sygchoresi" — May God forgive you. It's a beautiful way to start Lent with a clean heart.