The priest declared the lack of spiritual power in the messages for the Forgiven Sunday

Messages and postcards asking for forgiveness sent in messengers have no spiritual meaning and cannot replace a personal appeal. This was announced on February 22 by the head of the missionary department of the Pesochen diocese, Priest Vladislav Beregovoy.

Forgiveness Sunday ends Maslenitsa and precedes the beginning of Lent. In 2026, it falls on February 22, and on February 23, Orthodox Christians begin fasting. On this day, believers traditionally ask each other for forgiveness in order to enter a period of spiritual purification without resentment.

"Modern means of communication have completely trivialized this wonderful centuries-old tradition. <...> A picture with a text about asking for forgiveness, congratulating on a Forgiven Sunday, has no spiritual power," he told RIA Novosti.

He stressed that sending images or template texts with congratulations is in fact no different from holiday cards for other dates. The clergyman also pointed out that sincere reconciliation cannot be achieved through a formal chat message, even if it receives a response or reaction. According to him, it is important not to turn a centuries-old tradition into a formality and not to ask for forgiveness from those whom a person has not offended or does not even know.Ru»

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

On February 21, Archpriest Maxim Kozlov, head of the Educational Committee of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC), gave recommendations to believers on how to properly celebrate Defender of the Fatherland Day, which this year coincides with the first day of Great Lent. According to him, it is not necessary to arrange festive feasts or entertainment on this day. The main goal should be spiritual concentration.

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