THE RITE OF MUTUAL FORGIVENESS
A Greek Devotional Icon, Showing Christ Receiving the Penitent Sinner For the Eve of the Great Fast, commonly called Forgiveness Sunday According to the Use of the Ancient Church of the West ✠ THE PREPARATION ✠ After Vespers or the concluding Office on the Eve of the Holy Fast, the Faithful shall remain in quiet prayer. The Altar may be vested in Lenten color, and the lights subdued. The Clergy stand before the Holy Table. The Bishop or Priest shall say: V. In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. R. Amen. V. Brethren, let us remember the words of our Lord Jesus Christ: If ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. R. Lord, have mercy upon us. ✠ THE SCRIPTURE EXHORTATION ✠ The Bishop or Priest shall read: Matthew 6:14–21 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father w...
