(February 18, 2007 Jackson, NJ)- In the Orthodox Church Cheesefare Sunday, also referred to as Forgiveness Sunday, concludes four weeks of preparation for the Great Fast. Cheesfare Sunday is preceded by Sunday of Publican and Pharisee, Sunday of the Prodigal Son, and the Sunday of Meatfare.

St. Mary’s Russian Orthodox Church in Jackson, NJ is blessed by the presence of His Eminence Archbishop GREGORY, retired bishop of Alaska, who celebrated Hierarchical Divine Liturgy for the faithful today. In his homily Archbishop explained to the faithful the spiritual meaning of the Sunday of Forgiveness- a reminder of the exile of our ancestral parents Adam and Eve from the paradise for their disobedience. “As a human race”- said His Eminence “ we have inherited this state of being expelled from paradise.” He also reminded the faithful that through fasting, prayers and good deeds along with grace of God it is possible enter into Resurrection with Christ. His Eminence pointed out that the time of the Great Lent should be used for our benefit by controlling our passions and desires.

Following the Divine Liturgy Vespers of Forgiveness were celebrated that mark the beginning of Great Fast. At the end of the Vespers in the spirit of Orthodox tradition for the beginning of Great Fast, His Eminence Archbishop Gregory along with Father John Prokopiuk, Protodeacon John Morvay and all the faithful asked and offered each other forgiveness for anything they may have done to wrong each other.

After the Divine Services, Father John Prokopiuk, the Rector of St. Mary’s Russian Orthodox Church, extended an invitation to all present to join together for a time of fellowship at the Parish Home, where Sisterhood prepared wonderful Cheesefare dinner.