Ascension Cathedral to Host Bay Area Forgiveness Vespers

The faithful in northern California are invited to join His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco for the Vespers of Forgiveness to be prayed at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 6, 2021 at the Ascension Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Oakland, California. A homily will be offered by Rev. Father Constantine Efstathiu. Please join us in prayer for this beautiful way to begin our journey through Great Lent by reconciling ourselves with one another and seeking forgiveness.

A Cheesefare reception will be graciously offered by the Ascension Cathedral community following the service.

Kali Tessarakosti!

Forgiveness Vespers and Great Lent

For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you…

(Matthew 6:14)

When I was growing up once a month there was a special Sunday that the Sunday School children received Holy Communion. On our way out of the house we had a monthly ritual. As we left for Church, we, my brother and sister and I, would ask forgiveness of each other and of our parents. We would also kiss my father’s hand. In this way we were prepared (in addition to the fasting) to receive Holy Communion.

This Sunday, March 14 at 5pm we will celebrate what is called Forgiveness Vespers. Throughout the service the hymns speak to us about the coming Lenten period and for forgiveness. Our Lord taught us in the Sermon on the Mount: For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Matthew 6:14-15). Forgiveness is extremely important in our walk with Christ.

At the end of the Sunday evening vespers, we will ask forgiveness of each other. With our current situation, it will be difficult to gather in the Cathedral and, as is the tradition, embrace each other and ask for forgiveness. Bot we can do this within our families and in our homes.

I invite and encourage you and your families to pray with us during the live streaming of the Forgiveness Vespers (5pm, see links below). Have an icon in the room with you. At the end of the service when prompted, ask forgiveness of one another and kissing each other on both cheeks. And ask for forgiveness and strength form our Lord and the intercessions of the Theotokos. If you are alone turn to the icons asking for forgiveness.

I pray this is a blessed Great Lent that gives the opportunity to further your faith and commitment to our Lord and savior Jesus Christ.

In Christ,

Fr. Tom

Service Schedule for the Week of March 15th

During Great Lent we offer various services to help increase and focus our prayer life. The first week of Great Lent services will be celebrated each evening at 6pm. We encourage, if you are able and well, to attend. If you are unable please join us via our live streaming. asee the schedule below.
For those who will attend the Presanctified Liturgy on wednesday evening, please try to fast from eating from your lunch time meal.