So, Lent. It started tonight for Orthodox Christians, with Forgiveness Vespers, in which each of us in the congregation asks each other member, one on one, for forgiveness, then offers it to them. I remember what an impression my first Forgiveness Vespers made on me, at St. Seraphim Cathedral in Dallas. Archbishop Dmitri, who was then quite old and frail (he has since passed away), would prostrate himself in front of each of his congregation and ask forgiveness — even the little children. It’s a powerful rite.
Orthodox Lent is hard. It is about fasting — abstaining from meat, dairy, and oil is standard, though each person may work out their own fasting regimen with their pastor. Fasting is supposed to be medicine for the soul, not a rule to be followed for its own sake. It is also about praying more, both in additional church services, and privately. It is about giving alms. It is about mourning over your sins, and repenting of them.
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