Holy Diocese of Perth: The Vespers of Forgiveness at the Church of Saint Nektarios
On Cheesefare Sunday, 2 March 2025, the Holy Diocese of Perth conducted the Lenten Vespers of Forgiveness Service at the Church of St Nektarios in Dianella. The service was Presided over by His Grace Bishop Elpidios of Perth and in the presence of all the clergy.
Cheesefare Sunday is on the eve of Clean Monday and its biblical theme is twofold: Adam’s expulsion from Eden and the necessity of forgiveness. The Gospel reading during the Divine Liturgy (Matthew 6:14-21) stressed that true repentance is incomplete without forgiving others.
The Vespers of Forgiveness Service concluded the day, during which worshippers sought mutual forgiveness, signifying the communal journey through Lent. This service is notable for the recitation of the God-inspired Lenten prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian, “Lord and Master of my life…”.
Prior to the conclusion of the service, His Grace Bishop Elpidios recited the 80th Encyclical of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia on “Repentance”.
Finally, His Grace, wished all, on behalf of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios, a blessed and salvific Lenten period.
