The Forgiven Sunday is coming: what to say and respond to believers on an important holiday

Forgiveness Sunday in Russia is traditionally celebrated on the last day of Maslenitsa, on the eve of Great Lent. In 2026, the holiday falls on February 22. On this day, believers complete their preparations for fasting, ask each other for forgiveness, and participate in a special rite of forgiveness in churches. Izvestia tells us why this day is so important for Orthodox Christians, how to ask for forgiveness and what to say in response.

The meaning of the holiday: why ask for forgiveness

The Forgiven Sunday ends the Carnival week and precedes the beginning of Great Lent. Its spiritual meaning is connected with the evangelical call for reconciliation and purification of the soul before Great Lent. It is believed that it is necessary to enter into a fast without resentment, malice and unresolved conflicts.

On this day, Orthodox Christians try to remember everyone who might have been offended by word, deed, or inattention. It is customary to ask for forgiveness not formally, but sincerely, realizing one's possible guilt.

First of all, believers turn to relatives, friends, colleagues, and friends. However, the tradition is not limited to a narrow circle: you can also ask for forgiveness from those with whom you have not been in touch for a long time.

To whom and for what to ask for forgiveness

On Forgiven Sunday, it is customary to ask for forgiveness not only for specific actions, but also for possible unconscious offenses. We are talking about harsh words, inattention, envy, irritation, condemnation, as well as broken promises, missed important dates and other misconduct.

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Special attention is paid to family relationships. Children apologize to their parents for disobedience and harshness, spouses apologize to each other for quarrels and misunderstandings, and parents apologize to their children for excessive severity or coldness. It is also customary to apologize to colleagues and acquaintances if there have been misunderstandings during the year.

The clergy remind us that it is important not only to say the words, but also to be ready to change your behavior. Forgiveness involves not repeating previous mistakes and working on yourself.

What to say on Forgiveness Sunday

The traditional treatment formula is simple: "I'm sorry." Clarification is often added — "if you are guilty of anything" or "for everything, voluntary and involuntary." The main thing is to say the words sincerely and from the heart. Often, a request for forgiveness is accompanied by a personal appeal, calling the person by name, which gives the words a special warmth.

In church practice, during the rite of forgiveness, which is performed after evening worship, clergy and parishioners also ask each other for forgiveness. At the same time, it is important not only to say the words, but also to internally reject resentment and condemnation.

Thus, the holiday reminds us that forgiveness is not just a polite ritual, but a spiritual work on oneself. Sometimes even a short phrase "Forgive me," spoken sincerely, can restore a damaged relationship and lead to reconciliation.

How to respond to a request for forgiveness

It is customary to respond to the words "Forgive me".: "God will forgive, and I forgive." This phrase emphasizes that final forgiveness is in God's will, and the person, for his part, is ready to let go of the offense. Sometimes they add a continuation: "And you forgive me," thereby making reconciliation mutual.

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If a person doesn't feel seriously offended, they should still respond using the traditional formula. It is considered unacceptable to refuse forgiveness. Even if the conflict was serious, the church urges at least on a holiday to begin the path to reconciliation.

How to spell —Forgiven" or "Forgiven" Sunday correctly

In the modern world, words about forgiveness are often sent in person, by phone or in messengers. And here spelling becomes one of the frequent questions. Namely, how to write the word "forgiven", with one or two letters "n".

Since the word is formed from the short form of the participle "forgiven" (the one to whom it is forgiven), this form of writing is fixed in modern Russian. The option "forgiven" with two n's is considered erroneous.

Church calendars and official sources also use a single-letter "h" form. Therefore, it is correct to write in greetings, postcards and publications: "Happy Sunday!"

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