Forgiveness Sunday: A Call for Mercy and Compassion

✨ In the Orthodox and Byzantine Catholic traditions, Sunday, February 22, 2026, is Forgiveness Sunday, also known as Cheesefare Sunday. • This day marks the final Sunday of the pre-Lenten period, serving as the last day that dairy products (like cheese and eggs) are consumed before Great Lent begins the following Monday. Key Observances & Significance - The Rite of Forgiveness: In many parishes, the day concludes with Forgiveness Vespers, where the community practices a formal ritual of bowing t